Mompha unifasciella - Hodges#1458
Mompha unifasciella
This record describes Mompha unifasciella (species). Recorded family: Momphidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Distinguished from Mompha albapalpella by the basal patch never being cream color. There appear to be at least three BIN groups at BOLD associated with Mompha unifasciella . The BINs are not each others closest neighbors meaning that they are unlikely to represent variations of the same species. However, until the identity of each is determined, they will be treated as M. unifasciella . Jim Moore has specimens in each as follows: BOLD:AAC2120 BOLD:AAC2121 BOLD:AAB9187 - Steve Nanz (2/7/2018)
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Gelechioidea
- Family
- Momphidae (Momphid Moths)
- Subfamily
- Momphinae
- Genus
- Mompha
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Occurs across all of southern Canada; California.
Seasonal Activity
Adults fly year round in warmer areas and March through October in northern areas.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Larval host plant is Epilobium angustifolium (fireweed).
Life History
Produces a round subterminal gall.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Mompha unifasciella. 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 unifasciella - Hodges#1458 (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Maury J. Heiman; Additional contributions by Steve Nanz
Frequently Asked Questions About Mompha unifasciella - Hodges#1458
What is Mompha unifasciella - Hodges#1458?
Mompha unifasciella - Hodges#1458 (Mompha unifasciella) is a species in the family Momphidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
How big is Mompha unifasciella - Hodges#1458?
Forewing length 3.5-5 mm.
How do you identify Mompha unifasciella - Hodges#1458?
Distinguished from Mompha albapalpella by the basal patch never being cream color.
Where is Mompha unifasciella - Hodges#1458 found?
Range: Occurs across all of southern Canada; California.
What does Mompha unifasciella - Hodges#1458 eat?
The diet of the Mompha unifasciella - Hodges#1458 includes Larval host plant is Epilobium angustifolium (fireweed)..
When is Mompha unifasciella - Hodges#1458 active?
Mompha unifasciella - Hodges#1458: seasonal activity - Adults fly year round in warmer areas and March through October in northern areas..
What is the life cycle of a Mompha unifasciella - Hodges#1458?
Produces a round subterminal gall.