Monopis crocicapitella
This record describes Monopis crocicapitella (species). Recorded family: Tineidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 10 to 16 mm. This species can be confused with its close relative, Monopis obviella, and indeed was only separated as a species in the late 19th century. Compared to that species, it is generally less distinctly-marked, with the dorsal streak being darker, and with more speckling on the forewing. However it is best to check the hindwing, which is pale grey in the present species, and dark with a slight purple tinge in M. obviella. Various habitats, sometimes found indoors. The adults fly between June and October. Like many species in the group, the larva feeds on dried animal and vegetable refuse. It is thinly distributed mainly in the southern half of Britain. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as local.
Wikipedia reference for Monopis crocicapitella: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monopis crocicapitella.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Tineoidea
- Family
- Tineidae (Fungus Moths, Clothes Moths, & Allies)
- Subfamily
- Tineinae
- Genus
- Monopis
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Various habitats, sometimes found indoors.
Seasonal Activity
The adults fly between June and October.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Like many species in the group, the larva feeds on dried animal and vegetable refuse.
Additional species information
Recorded status
It is thinly distributed mainly in the southern half 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 Monopis crocicapitella. 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 Monopis crocicapitella (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Monopis crocicapitella
What is Monopis crocicapitella?
Monopis crocicapitella is a species in the family Tineidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Monopis crocicapitella found?
Habitat: Various habitats, sometimes found indoors.
When is Monopis crocicapitella active?
Monopis crocicapitella: seasonal activity - The adults fly between June and October..
What is the life cycle of a Monopis crocicapitella?
Like many species in the group, the larva feeds on dried animal and vegetable refuse.