Nemophora metallica
This record describes Nemophora metallica (species). Recorded family: Adelidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 15 to 20 mm. One of the 'longhorn' moths, the male has antennae three times the length of the forewings, the female around half this length. The wings have a relatively plain bronzy sheen. Good photographs required. Please state if found in association with Field Scabious. Expert confirmation may be necessary. The moths fly in June and July during the day. Like other members of the genus, the larvae feed at first on seeds and later on leaves or leaf-litter, mainly of field scabious ( Knautia arvensis ). Occurring mainly in the south of England and East Anglia. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as Nationally Scarce B.
Wikipedia reference for Nemophora metallica: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nemophora metallica.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Adeloidea
- Family
- Adelidae (Fairy Moths)
- Subfamily
- Adelinae
- Genus
- Nemophora
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Where Field Scabious is present.
Seasonal Activity
The moths fly in June and July during the day.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Like other members of the genus, the larvae feed at first on seeds and later on leaves or leaf-litter, mainly of field scabious (
Additional species information
Recorded status
Occurring mainly in the south of England and East Anglia. 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 Nemophora metallica. 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 Nemophora metallica (9)
Frequently Asked Questions About Nemophora metallica
What is Nemophora metallica?
Nemophora metallica is a species in the family Adelidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
How big is Nemophora metallica?
of the forewings, the female around half this length. The wings have a relatively plain bronzy sheen.
Where is Nemophora metallica found?
Habitat: Where Field Scabious is present.
When is Nemophora metallica active?
Nemophora metallica: seasonal activity - The moths fly in June and July during the day..
What is the life cycle of a Nemophora metallica?
Like other members of the genus, the larvae feed at first on seeds and later on leaves or leaf-litter, mainly of field scabious (