Micropterix aruncella
This record describes Micropterix aruncella (species). Recorded family: Micropterigidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
This is a tiny species with a wingspan of around 6 or 7 mm and, in common with other similar species, has metallic forewings. The members of the genus Micropterix are unusual in that the adults have fully functional mouthparts, unlike most other moths, and feed on the pollen of various plants. In generally dry habitats such as downland and hillsides Flies in the daytime between May and August. The early stages are not well described but the larvae are believed to feed at the bases of herbaceous plants. This species occurs widely over most of the British Isles. In the Butterfly Conservation’s Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as common.
Wikipedia reference for Micropterix aruncella: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Micropterix_aruncella.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera
- Family
- Micropterigidae
- Genus
- Micropterix
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
In generally dry habitats such as downland and hillsides
Seasonal Activity
Flies in the daytime between May and August.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The early stages are not well described but the larvae are believed to feed at the bases of herbaceous plants.
Additional species information
Recorded status
This species occurs widely over most of the British Isles. In the Butterfly Conservation’s Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as common.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Micropterix aruncella. 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 Micropterix aruncella (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Micropterix aruncella
What is Micropterix aruncella?
Micropterix aruncella is a species in the family Micropterigidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Micropterix aruncella found?
Habitat: In generally dry habitats such as downland and hillsides
When is Micropterix aruncella active?
Micropterix aruncella: seasonal activity - Flies in the daytime between May and August..
What is the life cycle of a Micropterix aruncella?
The early stages are not well described but the larvae are believed to feed at the bases of herbaceous plants.