Parornix finitimella
This record describes Parornix finitimella (species). Recorded family: Gracillariidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan around 10 mm. Like other Parornix species, the adults of P. finitimella are difficult to identify and are best determined by the structure of the genitalia. The larval foodplant, Blackthorn is shared with the similar Parornix torquillella and the mines cannot be distinguished unless larvae are examined. P. finitimella is greyish with black rings on the legs, whereas P torquillella is usually pale green with concolorous legs. Parornix torquillella leaf mines are identical Only tenanted leaf-mines can be recorded. Photographs must show the mine on the leaf and the larva, show clearly the colour of front (thoracic) legs Various habitats especially where Blackthorn is present. There are two generations, flying in May and again in August. Distributed in the southern half of England and Wales, ranging northwards to Yorkshire. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as common. http://www.leafmines.co.uk/html/Lepidoptera/P.finitimella.htm
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
Various habitats especially where Blackthorn is present.
Seasonal Activity
There are two generations, flying in May and again in August.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Distributed in the southern half of England and Wales, ranging northwards to Yorkshire. 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 finitimella. 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 finitimella (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Parornix finitimella
What is Parornix finitimella?
Parornix finitimella is a species in the family Gracillariidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Parornix finitimella found?
Habitat: Various habitats especially where Blackthorn is present.
When is Parornix finitimella active?
Parornix finitimella: seasonal activity - There are two generations, flying in May and again in August..