Phyllonorycter cavella
This record describes Phyllonorycter cavella (species). Recorded family: Gracillariidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan about 8 mm. The moth is very similar to a number of other Phyllonorycter species and gen det may be required to identify adults to species level. The larva produces a large blister-mine on Birch (see Life History below). The larva is bright yellow and, when present in the mine, this helps to determine the species. Leafmine: records must include a note of the host plant and size of the mine, and an image of the larva Adult moths are on the wing in June and July. The larvae feed from August to October on birch Betula , forming a large blister-mine on the underside of a leaf, occupying most of the leaf and causing it to pucker quite strongly. The mine has a number of strong creases on the lower epidermis. A fairly local species with a distribution covering parts of England and Wales, and the Scottish Highlands. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as local. http://www.leafmines.co.uk/html/Lepidoptera/P.cavella.htm https://bladmineerders.nl/parasites/animalia/arthropoda/insecta/lepidoptera/ditrysia/gracillarioidea/gracillariidae/lithocolletinae/phyllonorycter/phyllonorycter-cavella/ No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera
- Family
- Gracillariidae
- Genus
- Phyllonorycter
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Areas where Birch is present.
Seasonal Activity
Adult moths are on the wing in June and July.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae feed from August to October on birch
Additional species information
Recorded status
A fairly local species with a distribution covering parts of England and Wales, and the Scottish Highlands. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as local.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Phyllonorycter cavella. 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 Phyllonorycter cavella (4)
Frequently Asked Questions About Phyllonorycter cavella
What is Phyllonorycter cavella?
Phyllonorycter cavella is a species in the family Gracillariidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
How big is Phyllonorycter cavella?
of the mine, and an image of the larva
Where is Phyllonorycter cavella found?
Habitat: Areas where Birch is present.
When is Phyllonorycter cavella active?
Phyllonorycter cavella: seasonal activity - Adult moths are on the wing in June and July..
What is the life cycle of a Phyllonorycter cavella?
The larvae feed from August to October on birch