Micropterix calthella
This record describes Micropterix calthella (species). Recorded family: Micropterigidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Another tiny species, with a wingspan of around 8 to 10mm, this moth has metallic bronzy forewings, with purplish tinges in places. Like other Micropterix species, it has a tuft of hairs on the head and like other members of the family, this species has functional jaws. Damp woodland, woodland rides and woodland clearings. It can be found flying in the daytime in May and June, where it feeds on the pollen of various plants. Larva feeds on plant detritus and also, perhaps, various liverworts. It is fairly common throughout most of Britain. In the Butterfly Conservation’s Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as common.
Wikipedia reference for Micropterix calthella: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Micropterix_calthella.
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
Damp woodland, woodland rides and woodland clearings.
Seasonal Activity
It can be found flying in the daytime in May and June, where it feeds on the pollen of various plants.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Larva feeds on plant detritus and also, perhaps, various liverworts.
Additional species information
Recorded status
It is fairly common throughout most of Britain. 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 calthella. 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 calthella (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Micropterix calthella
What is Micropterix calthella?
Micropterix calthella is a species in the family Micropterigidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Micropterix calthella found?
Habitat: Damp woodland, woodland rides and woodland clearings.
When is Micropterix calthella active?
Micropterix calthella: seasonal activity - It can be found flying in the daytime in May and June, where it feeds on the pollen of various plants..
What is the life cycle of a Micropterix calthella?
Larva feeds on plant detritus and also, perhaps, various liverworts.