Phyllonorycter tristrigella
This record describes Phyllonorycter tristrigella (species). Recorded family: Gracillariidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 7-9 mm. One of the more distinctive of the Phyllonorycters, this species has two complete bands across the forewing and then a chevron-like mark nearer the wingtip. It also lacks the dark fringe line often present in other species. The larva mines the leaves of Elm. There are two broods, with adults at large during May and again in August. The larvae feed on Elm (Ulmus), creating a long, narrow blotch mine on the underside of a leaf between two veins. The species is relatively common in mainland Britain northwards to southern Scotland. In the Butterfly Conservation’s Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as common. http://www.leafmines.co.uk/html/Lepidoptera/P.tristrigella.htm https://bladmineerders.nl/parasites/animalia/arthropoda/insecta/lepidoptera/ditrysia/gracillarioidea/gracillariidae/lithocolletinae/phyllonorycter/phyllonorycter-tristrigella/
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
Hedgerows and usually favouring Elm
Seasonal Activity
There are two broods, with adults at large during May and again in August.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae feed on Elm (Ulmus), creating a long, narrow blotch mine on the underside of a leaf between two veins.
Additional species information
Recorded status
The species is relatively common in mainland Britain northwards to southern 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 tristrigella. 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 tristrigella (9)
Frequently Asked Questions About Phyllonorycter tristrigella
What is Phyllonorycter tristrigella?
Phyllonorycter tristrigella is a species in the family Gracillariidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Phyllonorycter tristrigella found?
Habitat: Hedgerows and usually favouring Elm
When is Phyllonorycter tristrigella active?
Phyllonorycter tristrigella: seasonal activity - There are two broods, with adults at large during May and again in August..
What is the life cycle of a Phyllonorycter tristrigella?
The larvae feed on Elm (Ulmus), creating a long, narrow blotch mine on the underside of a leaf between two veins.