Monopis obviella
This record describes Monopis obviella (species). Recorded family: Tineidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Various habitats, sometimes found indoors. The adult moths can be found on the wing between May and October, when they will occasionally come to light. There are most likely two generations. The larvae are scavengers, feeding on animal and plant refuse, especially woollen materials. Occurring chiefly in southern England, the true distribution of this species is imperfectly known due to previous confusion regarding identification. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as local. 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, sometimes found indoors.
Seasonal Activity
The adult moths can be found on the wing between May and October, when they will occasionally come to light. There are most likely two generations.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae are scavengers, feeding on animal and plant refuse, especially woollen materials.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Occurring chiefly in southern England, the true distribution of this species is imperfectly known due to previous confusion regarding identification. 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 obviella. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Monopis obviella
What is Monopis obviella?
Monopis obviella is a species in the family Tineidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Monopis obviella found?
Habitat: Various habitats, sometimes found indoors.
When is Monopis obviella active?
Monopis obviella: seasonal activity - The adult moths can be found on the wing between May and October, when they will occasionally come to light. There are most likely two generations..
What is the life cycle of a Monopis obviella?
The larvae are scavengers, feeding on animal and plant refuse, especially woollen materials.