Infurcitinea argentimaculella
This record describes Infurcitinea argentimaculella (species). Recorded family: Tineidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required and the specimen should be examined with a microscope. In the comments box, state the key or ID method used and describe the size and identifying characters. Around lichen covered shady rocks, walls or tree trunks. The adults fly in July and early August in sunshine. The larvae of this species feeds on various lichens (Lepraria spp. and perhaps others) on shady rocks, walls or tree trunks, constructing long lichen covered silken tubes. Tubes containing larva may be seen on the surface of the lichen from March to June. Pupation occurs within the tube. This species has been recorded as far north as Cumbria but is commonest in the south of England. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as local.
Wikipedia reference for Infurcitinea argentimaculella: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Infurcitinea_argentimaculella.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera
- Family
- Tineidae
- Genus
- Infurcitinea
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Around lichen covered shady rocks, walls or tree trunks.
Seasonal Activity
The adults fly in July and early August in sunshine.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae of this species feeds on various lichens (Lepraria spp. and perhaps others) on shady rocks, walls or tree trunks, constructing long lichen covered silken tubes. Tubes containing larva may be seen on the surface of the lichen from March to June. Pupation occurs within the tube.
Additional species information
Recorded status
This species has been recorded as far north as Cumbria but is commonest in the south of England. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as local.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Infurcitinea argentimaculella. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Lepidoptera includes approximately 180,000 described species of butterflies and moths. Moths outnumber butterflies roughly 10:1. The monarch butterfly's eastern population has declined by more than 80% since the mid-1990s, and the western population by over 95% since the 1980s. The IUCN lists the migratory monarch as Vulnerable.
Ecological role of the group
Butterflies and moths are essential indicators of ecosystem health. As caterpillars, they are a primary food source for birds - a single nest of blue tit chicks requires ~10,000 caterpillars. Adult moths pollinate many night-blooming plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Lepidoptera are critical pollinators. In Europe, grassland butterfly species have declined by almost 50% since the early 1990s. In the UK, three-quarters of butterflies are in decline. In the U.S., five butterfly species have gone extinct since 1950, with 29 listed as endangered.
Recorded sources for this group: IUCN Red List, Xerces Society, USFWS, PNAS, WWF. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Infurcitinea argentimaculella (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Infurcitinea argentimaculella
What is Infurcitinea argentimaculella?
Infurcitinea argentimaculella is a species in the family Tineidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Infurcitinea argentimaculella found?
Habitat: Around lichen covered shady rocks, walls or tree trunks.
When is Infurcitinea argentimaculella active?
Infurcitinea argentimaculella: seasonal activity - The adults fly in July and early August in sunshine..
What is the life cycle of a Infurcitinea argentimaculella?
The larvae of this species feeds on various lichens (Lepraria spp. and perhaps others) on shady rocks, walls or tree trunks, constructing long lichen covered silken tubes. Tubes containing larva may be seen on the surface of the lichen from March to June. Pupation occurs within the tube.