Mompha subbistrigella
This record describes Mompha subbistrigella (species). Recorded family: Momphidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 7-11.5 mm. A greyish species with two whiter bands. In summer they can be seen around the larval foodplant - Willowherb, particularly Broad-leaved Willowherb. They may also be found overwintering in sheds etc. The adults emerge in late summer and may be seen on the wing any time until late spring. The larvae of this widely distributed species feed within the seedpods of Broad-leaved Willowherb and occasionally on other Willowherb species. The affected pods may be recognised as they become thickened, shortened, distorted and often redden prematurely. The pod will also have a hole in the side. This moth is fairly common in England and Wales, with a restricted distribution in Scotland and Ireland. In the Butterfly Conservation’s Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as common.
Wikipedia reference for Mompha subbistrigella: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mompha_subbistrigella.
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
In summer they can be seen around the larval foodplant - Willowherb, particularly Broad-leaved Willowherb. They may also be found overwintering in sheds etc.
Seasonal Activity
The adults emerge in late summer and may be seen on the wing any time until late spring.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae of this widely distributed species feed within the seedpods of Broad-leaved Willowherb and occasionally on other Willowherb species. The affected pods may be recognised as they become thickened, shortened, distorted and often redden prematurely. The pod will also have a hole in the side.
Additional species information
Recorded status
This moth is fairly common in England and Wales, with a restricted distribution in Scotland and Ireland. 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 Mompha subbistrigella. 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 subbistrigella (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Mompha subbistrigella
What is Mompha subbistrigella?
Mompha subbistrigella is a species in the family Momphidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Mompha subbistrigella found?
Habitat: In summer they can be seen around the larval foodplant - Willowherb, particularly Broad-leaved Willowherb. They may also be found overwintering in sheds etc.
When is Mompha subbistrigella active?
Mompha subbistrigella: seasonal activity - The adults emerge in late summer and may be seen on the wing any time until late spring..
What is the life cycle of a Mompha subbistrigella?
The larvae of this widely distributed species feed within the seedpods of Broad-leaved Willowherb and occasionally on other Willowherb species. The affected pods may be recognised as they become thickened, shortened, distorted and often redden prematurely. The pod will also have a hole in the side.