Ochsenheimeria urella
This record describes Ochsenheimeria urella (species). Recorded family: Ypsolophidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan about 11mm. The females of this species have their antennae thickened with elongated scales for about three-fifths of their length, creating a noticeably 'shaggy' appearance. Males have slightly thickened antennae over three fifths, though with recumbent scales. Both sexes sport a tuft of erect scales on the head, and the forewing has some raised scales, though not so noticeable as those on O. taurella. Other Ochsenheimeria species are quite similar and confirmation by gen det may be necessary. Gen det may be required for species identification, please retain the specimen. Adult moths fly in July and August and are on the wing in the morning if it is sunny, later hiding deep among the grass stems. The larvae feed on grasses, such as Couch grass (Agropyron) and Brome (Bromus), mining the leaves then later feeding inside the stems. Fairly widespread but infrequent throughout much of the British Isles. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as Nationally Scarce B.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera
- Family
- Ypsolophidae
- Genus
- Ochsenheimeria
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Grassy areas.
Seasonal Activity
Adult moths fly in July and August and are on the wing in the morning if it is sunny, later hiding deep among the grass stems.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae feed on grasses, such as Couch grass (Agropyron) and Brome (Bromus), mining the leaves then later feeding inside the stems.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Fairly widespread but infrequent throughout much of the British Isles. 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 Ochsenheimeria urella. 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 Ochsenheimeria urella (6)
Frequently Asked Questions About Ochsenheimeria urella
What is Ochsenheimeria urella?
Ochsenheimeria urella is a species in the family Ypsolophidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Ochsenheimeria urella found?
Habitat: Grassy areas.
When is Ochsenheimeria urella active?
Ochsenheimeria urella: seasonal activity - Adult moths fly in July and August and are on the wing in the morning if it is sunny, later hiding deep among the grass stems..
What is the life cycle of a Ochsenheimeria urella?
The larvae feed on grasses, such as Couch grass (Agropyron) and Brome (Bromus), mining the leaves then later feeding inside the stems.