Phyllonorycter viminiella
This record describes Phyllonorycter viminiella (species). Recorded family: Gracillariidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 7 to 9 mm. Phyllonorycter viminiella has much less distinct markings than most other Phyllonorycter species. The larva mines the leaves of various Willow species, causing the leaf edge to fold over a tentiform mine with many creases on the under-surface. To be certain of ID, check the pupa; this is in a cocoon and has 2 pairs of spines on the cremaster, the inner pair pointing inwards. Several other Phyllonorycter mine narrow-leaved willows, including P viminetorum on Osier Photograph the underside of the mine and note the host species. A species generally inhabiting wetland habitats The adults fly in May and June and again in August. The main foodplants are the narrow-leaved willows, such as Osier and Crack Willow. Distribution of this moth extends throughout England and Wales and into southern Scotland. Elsewhere there are scattered records from Ireland and northern Scotland. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as common. http://www.leafmines.co.uk/html/Lepidoptera/P.viminella.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
A species generally inhabiting wetland habitats
Seasonal Activity
The adults fly in May and June and again in August.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The main foodplants are the narrow-leaved willows, such as Osier and Crack Willow.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Distribution of this moth extends throughout England and Wales and into southern Scotland. Elsewhere there are scattered records from Ireland and northern Scotland. 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 viminiella. 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 viminiella (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Phyllonorycter viminiella
What is Phyllonorycter viminiella?
Phyllonorycter viminiella is a species in the family Gracillariidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Phyllonorycter viminiella found?
Habitat: A species generally inhabiting wetland habitats
When is Phyllonorycter viminiella active?
Phyllonorycter viminiella: seasonal activity - The adults fly in May and June and again in August..
What is the life cycle of a Phyllonorycter viminiella?
The main foodplants are the narrow-leaved willows, such as Osier and Crack Willow.