Opogona omoscopa
This record describes Opogona omoscopa (species). Recorded family: Tineidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 15 to 17 mm. The depth of dark purplish brown forewing colouration and distinctness of the pale tornal and dorsal spots all seem to fade with wear. Records for this species must be confirmed by genitalia examination. Various habitats, but numbers of this species have been recorded near to waste dumps and areas with decaying matter. Records have been noted in August but peak time is probably October. The larvae of Omoscopa species tend to feed on decaying vegetation. Very probably an imported species or accidental introduction, this nondescript species has occurred in recent years on Guernsey and more recently there have been a couple of wild-caught records in the north of England, with outbreaks reported elsewhere in Britain as well. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as an adventive colonist. No additional images available for this species.
Wikipedia reference for Opogona omoscopa: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opogona omoscopa.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Tineoidea
- Family
- Tineidae (Fungus Moths, Clothes Moths, & Allies)
- Subfamily
- Hieroxestinae
- Genus
- Opogona
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Various habitats, but numbers of this species have been recorded near to waste dumps and areas with decaying matter.
Seasonal Activity
Records have been noted in August but peak time is probably October.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae of Omoscopa species tend to feed on decaying vegetation.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Very probably an imported species or accidental introduction, this nondescript species has occurred in recent years on Guernsey and more recently there have been a couple of wild-caught records in the north of England, with outbreaks reported elsewhere in Britain as well. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as an adventive colonist.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Opogona omoscopa. 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 Opogona omoscopa (9)
Frequently Asked Questions About Opogona omoscopa
What is Opogona omoscopa?
Opogona omoscopa is a species in the family Tineidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Opogona omoscopa found?
Habitat: Various habitats, but numbers of this species have been recorded near to waste dumps and areas with decaying matter.
When is Opogona omoscopa active?
Opogona omoscopa: seasonal activity - Records have been noted in August but peak time is probably October..
What is the life cycle of a Opogona omoscopa?
The larvae of Omoscopa species tend to feed on decaying vegetation.