Parornix devoniella
This record describes Parornix devoniella (species). Recorded family: Gracillariidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 9 to 10 mm. All the Parornix species have a distinctive resting posture with the front part of the body raised on the forelegs, and a slightly upcurved rear. The larva mines the leaves of Hazel, initially creating a squarish or triangular tentiform mine on the underside, and then folding over the edge of the same leaf, or one nearby. In common with other Parornix larvae, the larva is whitish with 4 black spots on the pronotum Mines can look like Phyllonorycter nicellii ; if in doubt check larvae Photograph the mine, upper and lower side, and leaf-fold; if possible photograph larva. Note host species. The moths fly in two generations, firstly in May and again in August. The larvae of this species feed on Hazel (Corylus avellana) The species is relatively common wherever its foodplant is found. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as common. http://www.leafmines.co.uk/html/Lepidoptera/P.devoniella1.htm https://bladmineerders.nl/parasites/animalia/arthropoda/insecta/lepidoptera/ditrysia/gracillarioidea/gracillariidae/gracillariinae/parornix/parornix-devoniella/
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera
- Family
- Gracillariidae
- Genus
- Parornix
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Wherever Hazel is plentiful.
Seasonal Activity
The moths fly in two generations, firstly in May and again in August.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae of this species feed on Hazel (Corylus avellana)
Additional species information
Recorded status
The species is relatively common wherever its foodplant is found. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as common.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Parornix devoniella. 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 Parornix devoniella (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Parornix devoniella
What is Parornix devoniella?
Parornix devoniella is a species in the family Gracillariidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Parornix devoniella found?
Habitat: Wherever Hazel is plentiful.
When is Parornix devoniella active?
Parornix devoniella: seasonal activity - The moths fly in two generations, firstly in May and again in August..
What is the life cycle of a Parornix devoniella?
The larvae of this species feed on Hazel (Corylus avellana)