Phyllonorycter ulicicolella
This record describes Phyllonorycter ulicicolella (species). Recorded family: Gracillariidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
In VC55, the larvae seem to prefer Western Gorse ( Ulex gallii ) , which is smaller and softer than the common Gorse ( Ulex europaeus). The mines are hard to find - look for a yellowing, slighting distorted and swollen section of stem and side-shoot below the shoot tip. The larva is yellow with a dark head. Adults are similar to many other Phyllonorycter species. Adult: Gen det required for adults of this species unless reared from the larval mine. Leafmine: Good photographs required showing the mine and the larva (the mine must be opened to show the larva inside). Please also state the host plant. Found in heathland and grassland where species of gorse are present. Adult moths are on the wing from June to August. The larva mines shoots and spines of gorse (Ulex). Widespread in England but the species seems to be quite uncommon. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as Nationally Scarce B.
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
Found in heathland and grassland where species of gorse are present.
Seasonal Activity
Adult moths are on the wing from June to August.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larva mines shoots and spines of gorse (Ulex).
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread in England but the species seems to be quite uncommon. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as Nationally Scarce B.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Phyllonorycter ulicicolella. 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 ulicicolella (9)
Frequently Asked Questions About Phyllonorycter ulicicolella
What is Phyllonorycter ulicicolella?
Phyllonorycter ulicicolella is a species in the family Gracillariidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Phyllonorycter ulicicolella found?
Habitat: Found in heathland and grassland where species of gorse are present.
When is Phyllonorycter ulicicolella active?
Phyllonorycter ulicicolella: seasonal activity - Adult moths are on the wing from June to August..
What is the life cycle of a Phyllonorycter ulicicolella?
The larva mines shoots and spines of gorse (Ulex).