Metzneria lappella
This record describes Metzneria lappella (species). Recorded family: Gelechiidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 16 to 20 mm. Quite similar to other members of the group, but the light colouration and a dark line in the cilia are distinctive is this species. Various habitats, especially areas where the larval foodplant is present. The larvae feed on the seeds of Greater Burdock and pupation takes place in the seedhead. Widespread though not particularly common in southern England and in the north of England and Wales. It is scarcer in Scotland and unknown in Ireland. In the Butterfly Conservation’s Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as local.
Wikipedia reference for Metzneria lappella: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metzneria_lappella.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Gelechioidea
- Family
- Gelechiidae (Twirler Moths)
- Subfamily
- Anomologinae
- Genus
- Metzneria
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Various habitats, especially areas where the larval foodplant is present.
Seasonal Activity
The adults fly in June and July.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae feed on the seeds of Greater Burdock and pupation takes place in the seedhead.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread though not particularly common in southern England and in the north of England and Wales. It is scarcer in Scotland and unknown in Ireland. In the Butterfly Conservation’s Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as local.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Metzneria lappella. 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 Metzneria lappella (5)
Frequently Asked Questions About Metzneria lappella
What is Metzneria lappella?
Metzneria lappella is a species in the family Gelechiidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Metzneria lappella found?
Habitat: Various habitats, especially areas where the larval foodplant is present.
When is Metzneria lappella active?
Metzneria lappella: seasonal activity - The adults fly in June and July..
What is the life cycle of a Metzneria lappella?
The larvae feed on the seeds of Greater Burdock and pupation takes place in the seedhead.