Mompha propinquella
This record describes Mompha propinquella (species). Recorded family: Momphidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 12 mm. In common with most of the Momphidae , the adults of this species are brightly-coloured, with raised scale-tufts. Various habitats where the larval foodplants are present. The moths fly at night between June and August, and come to light. The larval foodplants are various willowherbs and the species spends the winter as a larva. It occurs in suitable habitat throughout most of Britain. In the Butterfly Conservation’s Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as local.
Wikipedia reference for Mompha propinquella: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mompha_propinquella.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera
- Family
- Momphidae
- Genus
- Mompha
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Various habitats where the larval foodplants are present.
Seasonal Activity
The moths fly at night between June and August, and come to light.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larval foodplants are various willowherbs and the species spends the winter as a larva.
Additional species information
Recorded status
It occurs in suitable habitat throughout most of Britain. 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 Mompha propinquella. 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 Mompha propinquella (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Mompha propinquella
What is Mompha propinquella?
Mompha propinquella is a species in the family Momphidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Mompha propinquella found?
Habitat: Various habitats where the larval foodplants are present.
When is Mompha propinquella active?
Mompha propinquella: seasonal activity - The moths fly at night between June and August, and come to light..
What is the life cycle of a Mompha propinquella?
The larval foodplants are various willowherbs and the species spends the winter as a larva.