Micropterix aureatella
This record describes Micropterix aureatella (species). Recorded family: Micropterigidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 9 to 11 mm. A rather attractive little moth, in common with other similar species, has metallic purplish forewings. There are two whitish cross bands and a large pale spot towards the end of the wing. The adults are among those moths with working mandibles, and they feed on the pollen of a variety of flowers, especially those of sedge (Carex). Distributed widely but locally over Great Britain, very scarce in the east of the country. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as local. No additional images available for this species.
Wikipedia reference for Micropterix aureatella: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Micropterix_aureatella.
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
Found in woodland and heathland.
Seasonal Activity
May and June.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The adults are among those moths with working mandibles, and they feed on the pollen of a variety of flowers, especially those of sedge (Carex).
Additional species information
Recorded status
Distributed widely but locally over Great Britain, very scarce in the east of the country. 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 Micropterix aureatella. 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 aureatella (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Micropterix aureatella
What is Micropterix aureatella?
Micropterix aureatella is a species in the family Micropterigidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Micropterix aureatella found?
Habitat: Found in woodland and heathland.
When is Micropterix aureatella active?
Micropterix aureatella: seasonal activity - May and June..
What is the life cycle of a Micropterix aureatella?
The adults are among those moths with working mandibles, and they feed on the pollen of a variety of flowers, especially those of sedge (Carex).