Phyllonorycter lautella
This record describes Phyllonorycter lautella (species). Recorded family: Gracillariidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 6 to 7 mm. Adults are similar to a number of and great care is needed with identification. The larvae mine the leaves of Oak. The mine is greater than 20 mm long, lower epidermis with one strong crease often dividing in Y-shape at end near leaf-margin. There can be several mines on a leaf. The mines are often found on young seedlings and saplings. The leaf mines on oak can be searched for from late autumn through winter, and it is relatively easy to rear the adult. The species is difficult to identify from the mine alone, but can be identified in combination with the distinctive arrangements of hooks at the very end of the pupa, known as the 'cremaster'. There is a key and description of these on Bladmineerders.nl here , and photos at https://mothdissection.co.uk/species.php?Tx=Phyllonorycter_lautella Adult: A clear set of photographs showing all critical identification features is required, and/or a voucher specimen may be necessary - check with the County Recorder before releasing the moth. Leafmine: Good photographs required and an indication of the length of the mine and the host species; also photograph the pupal cremaster. Where young Oak seedlings and saplings are found. There are two generations per year with adults on wing in May and again in August. Leafmines may be found in July, and during September and October, though much later by examining fallen leaves. A local species that is widely distributed in the southern half of Britain. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as local. http://www.leafmines.co.uk/html/Lepidoptera/P.lautella.htm
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
Where young Oak seedlings and saplings are found.
Seasonal Activity
There are two generations per year with adults on wing in May and again in August. Leafmines may be found in July, and during September and October, though much later by examining fallen leaves.
Additional species information
Recorded status
A local species that is widely distributed in the southern half of Britain. 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 lautella. 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 lautella (7)
Frequently Asked Questions About Phyllonorycter lautella
What is Phyllonorycter lautella?
Phyllonorycter lautella is a species in the family Gracillariidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
How big is Phyllonorycter lautella?
of the mine and the host species; also photograph the pupal cremaster.
Where is Phyllonorycter lautella found?
Habitat: Where young Oak seedlings and saplings are found.
When is Phyllonorycter lautella active?
Phyllonorycter lautella: seasonal activity - There are two generations per year with adults on wing in May and again in August. Leafmines may be found in July, and during September and October, though much later by examining fallen leaves..