Phyllonorycter ulmifoliella
This record describes Phyllonorycter ulmifoliella (species). Recorded family: Gracillariidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 7 to 9 mm. Similar to other members of the family. The wings are brown with white markings edged in black. The larva mines the leaves of Birch, causing a small (<15mm) tentiform mine. The larva is pale yellow or whitish with a pale brown head. Pupation is in the mine in a papery cocoon other Phyllonorycter on Birch; Parornix betulae. P cavella has larger mines. P anderidae has not been recorded in VC55, although it has been found in neighbouring counties; the larva has a darker brown head and the pupa is not in a cocoon. Photograph mine; check length of mine, and for presence of cocoon inside This species can be found almost anywhere where the foodplant, Birch is present. There are two generations with adults flying in May and again in August. The larvae are present in July, and more commonly in September and October. Widespread and fairly common throughout the British Isles. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as common. http://www.leafmines.co.uk/html/Lepidoptera/P.ulmifoliella.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
This species can be found almost anywhere where the foodplant, Birch is present.
Seasonal Activity
There are two generations with adults flying in May and again in August.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae are present in July, and more commonly in September and October.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread and fairly common throughout the British Isles. 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 ulmifoliella. 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 ulmifoliella (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Phyllonorycter ulmifoliella
What is Phyllonorycter ulmifoliella?
Phyllonorycter ulmifoliella is a species in the family Gracillariidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Phyllonorycter ulmifoliella found?
Habitat: This species can be found almost anywhere where the foodplant, Birch is present.
When is Phyllonorycter ulmifoliella active?
Phyllonorycter ulmifoliella: seasonal activity - There are two generations with adults flying in May and again in August..
What is the life cycle of a Phyllonorycter ulmifoliella?
The larvae are present in July, and more commonly in September and October.