Opostega salaciella
This record describes Opostega salaciella (species). Recorded family: Opostegidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan about 10 mm. The only all-white member of the Opostegidae in Britain, it is fairly easy to identify due to its very large eye caps. It inhabits open areas where the suspected foodplant, Sheep's Sorrel (Rumex acetosella) occurs, although the early stages have yet to be found in Britain. Can be attracted to light during its flight period from June to early August. Distributed widely but locally throughout much of Britain. In the Butterfly Conservations Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as local.
Wikipedia reference for Opostega salaciella: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opostega_salaciella.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera
- Family
- Opostegidae
- Genus
- Opostega
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
It inhabits open areas where the suspected foodplant, Sheep's Sorrel (Rumex acetosella) occurs, although the early stages have yet to be found in Britain.
Seasonal Activity
Can be attracted to light during its flight period from June to early August.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Distributed widely but locally throughout much of Britain. In the Butterfly Conservations Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as local.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Opostega salaciella. 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 Opostega salaciella (2)
Frequently Asked Questions About Opostega salaciella
What is Opostega salaciella?
Opostega salaciella is a species in the family Opostegidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Opostega salaciella found?
Habitat: It inhabits open areas where the suspected foodplant, Sheep's Sorrel (Rumex acetosella) occurs, although the early stages have yet to be found in Britain.
When is Opostega salaciella active?
Opostega salaciella: seasonal activity - Can be attracted to light during its flight period from June to early August..