Micropterix mansuetella
This record describes Micropterix mansuetella (species). Recorded family: Micropterigidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan about 10 mm. It is similar to M. tunbergella , but less distinctly marked and easily distinguished by its black head. It occurs in damp habitats, often in the company of other Micropterix species, feeding on the pollen of a range of flowers. The early stages are not well described. Although distributed through much of England into parts of Scotland, this is a rather local species and rather difficult to encounter unlike some of the other Micropterix species. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as Nationally Scarce B.
Wikipedia reference for Micropterix mansuetella: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Micropterix_mansuetella.
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
It occurs in damp habitats, often in the company of other
Seasonal Activity
May to June.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The early stages are not well described.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Although distributed through much of England into parts of Scotland, this is a rather local species and rather difficult to encounter unlike some of the other
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Micropterix mansuetella. 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 mansuetella (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Micropterix mansuetella
What is Micropterix mansuetella?
Micropterix mansuetella is a species in the family Micropterigidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Micropterix mansuetella found?
Habitat: It occurs in damp habitats, often in the company of other
When is Micropterix mansuetella active?
Micropterix mansuetella: seasonal activity - May to June..
What is the life cycle of a Micropterix mansuetella?
The early stages are not well described.