Monopis imella
This record describes Monopis imella (species). Recorded family: Tineidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan about 12 mm. This relatively nondescript species generally shows a yellowish tuft of scales on the head and a narrow pale buff line along the edge of the costa. There can be a pale spot on the forewing but often the forewing looks entirely plain. Adults occur between June and September, possibly in two generations. The larvae feed on refuse of animal origin such as wool or hair and are sometimes found in birds' nests. The species has a fairly wide distribution over the British Isles but is quite uncommon. In the Butterfly Conservation’s Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as Nationally Scarce B. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera
- Family
- Tineidae
- Genus
- Monopis
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Various habitats.
Seasonal Activity
Adults occur between June and September, possibly in two generations.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae feed on refuse of animal origin such as wool or hair and are sometimes found in birds' nests.
Additional species information
Recorded status
The species has a fairly wide distribution over the British Isles but is quite uncommon. In the Butterfly Conservation’s Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as Nationally Scarce B.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Monopis imella. 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 imella (2)
Frequently Asked Questions About Monopis imella
What is Monopis imella?
Monopis imella is a species in the family Tineidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Monopis imella found?
Habitat: Various habitats.
When is Monopis imella active?
Monopis imella: seasonal activity - Adults occur between June and September, possibly in two generations..
What is the life cycle of a Monopis imella?
The larvae feed on refuse of animal origin such as wool or hair and are sometimes found in birds' nests.