Parectopa ononidis
This record describes Parectopa ononidis (species). Recorded family: Gracillariidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan about 8 mm. The adult moths are quite distinctive, though rarely encountered. Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required. As this is a rare species in our area it would be useful to hold on to the specimen until identification is confirmed. Prefers chalky downland and coastal areas. Adults fly in two, possibly three generations between May and August. The larvae mine the leaves of clover including both Red Clover and White Clover, as well as Restharrow. The mine begins as a gallery on the underside of a leaf and later becomes a blotch on the upperside. Larvae are to be found in July and from September onwards, overwintering. A rather scarce and local species, occurring in parts of southern England and the south Midlands. 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
- Gracillariidae
- Genus
- Parectopa
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Prefers chalky downland and coastal areas.
Seasonal Activity
Adults fly in two, possibly three generations between May and August.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae mine the leaves of clover including both Red Clover and White Clover, as well as Restharrow. The mine begins as a gallery on the underside of a leaf and later becomes a blotch on the upperside. Larvae are to be found in July and from September onwards, overwintering.
Additional species information
Recorded status
A rather scarce and local species, occurring in parts of southern England and the south Midlands. 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 Parectopa ononidis. 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 Parectopa ononidis (4)
Frequently Asked Questions About Parectopa ononidis
What is Parectopa ononidis?
Parectopa ononidis is a species in the family Gracillariidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Parectopa ononidis found?
Habitat: Prefers chalky downland and coastal areas.
When is Parectopa ononidis active?
Parectopa ononidis: seasonal activity - Adults fly in two, possibly three generations between May and August..
What is the life cycle of a Parectopa ononidis?
The larvae mine the leaves of clover including both Red Clover and White Clover, as well as Restharrow. The mine begins as a gallery on the underside of a leaf and later becomes a blotch on the upperside. Larvae are to be found in July and from September onwards, overwintering.