Phyllonorycter froelichiella
This record describes Phyllonorycter froelichiella (species). Recorded family: Gracillariidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 9 to 10 mm. One of the larger species of Phyllonorycter, with a rather attractive 'striped' appearance, each stripe gradually fading from whitish through chestnut to black. The larva mines the leaves of Alder, creating a large under-surface tentiform without clear folds. The mine is between two veins and often stretches from midrib almost to leaf-edge. The mature larva is greyish, and pupates in a frass-free cocoon in the mine. Mines can be similar to P rajella or P klemannella ; if in doubt, larvae and pupae should be examined.(ref: Bladmineerders.nl) Photograph undersurface of mine, and larva or pupal cremaster; note host species The moth is believed to have only a single generation, flying in July and August, though bred specimens will emerge in spring if kept indoors. The larvae feed on Alder, and create a long mine between two veins on the underside of the leaf. Often there are several to a leaf. Widespread and common in Britain. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as common. http://www.leafmines.co.uk/html/Lepidoptera/P.froelichiella.htm https://bladmineerders.nl/parasites/animalia/arthropoda/insecta/lepidoptera/ditrysia/gracillarioidea/gracillariidae/lithocolletinae/phyllonorycter/phyllonorycter-froelichiella/
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 Alder is present.
Seasonal Activity
The moth is believed to have only a single generation, flying in July and August, though bred specimens will emerge in spring if kept indoors.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae feed on Alder, and create a long mine between two veins on the underside of the leaf. Often there are several to a leaf.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread and common in Britain. 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 Phyllonorycter froelichiella. 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 froelichiella (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Phyllonorycter froelichiella
What is Phyllonorycter froelichiella?
Phyllonorycter froelichiella is a species in the family Gracillariidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Phyllonorycter froelichiella found?
Habitat: Areas where Alder is present.
When is Phyllonorycter froelichiella active?
Phyllonorycter froelichiella: seasonal activity - The moth is believed to have only a single generation, flying in July and August, though bred specimens will emerge in spring if kept indoors..
What is the life cycle of a Phyllonorycter froelichiella?
The larvae feed on Alder, and create a long mine between two veins on the underside of the leaf. Often there are several to a leaf.