Lesser Lichen Case-bearer
Dahlica inconspicuella
This record describes Dahlica inconspicuella (species). Recorded family: Psychidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan (male) 9 to 13 mm. The females are wingless. Confirmation by County Recorder is advised before adding a record for this uncommon species. Areas where lichens and moss are common. . The larva and its case are similar to the other Dahlica species and can be found on sunny rocks, stone walls, tree trunks, fences. Positions sheltered from the wind appear to be favoured. Cased larva grows from June to March when it is about 6 mm long. Adults can be found in April. The case, triangular in cross section and tapered at both ends, is covered in granules of sand, with variable amounts of lichen and/or algae. An uncommon species, found from southern England to Lancashire and Yorkshire. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as Nationally Scarce A. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera
- Family
- Psychidae
- Genus
- Dahlica
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Areas where lichens and moss are common. . The larva and its case are similar to the other
Seasonal Activity
Cased larva grows from June to March when it is about 6 mm long. Adults can be found in April.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The case, triangular in cross section and tapered at both ends, is covered in granules of sand, with variable amounts of lichen and/or algae.
Additional species information
Recorded status
An uncommon species, found from southern England to Lancashire and Yorkshire. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as Nationally Scarce A.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Dahlica inconspicuella. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lesser Lichen Case-bearer
What is Lesser Lichen Case-bearer?
Lesser Lichen Case-bearer (Dahlica inconspicuella) is a species in the family Psychidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Lesser Lichen Case-bearer found?
Habitat: Areas where lichens and moss are common. . The larva and its case are similar to the other
When is Lesser Lichen Case-bearer active?
Lesser Lichen Case-bearer: seasonal activity - Cased larva grows from June to March when it is about 6 mm long. Adults can be found in April..
What is the life cycle of a Lesser Lichen Case-bearer?
The case, triangular in cross section and tapered at both ends, is covered in granules of sand, with variable amounts of lichen and/or algae.