Psoricoptera gibbosella
This record describes Psoricoptera gibbosella (species). Recorded family: Gelechiidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 15 to17 mm. A shaggy looking moth with raised tufts and various colours of russet, brown and grey. The adult moths are on the wing from July to October, when they can be found resting on tree trunks. They are also attracted to light. The larva feeds in a rolled leaf of Oak in the spring. A local species most common in the southern half of England and south Wales. In the Butterfly Conservation’s Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as local. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera
- Family
- Gelechiidae
- Genus
- Psoricoptera
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Mature woodland.
Seasonal Activity
The adult moths are on the wing from July to October, when they can be found resting on tree trunks. They are also attracted to light.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larva feeds in a rolled leaf of Oak in the spring.
Additional species information
Recorded status
A local species most common in the southern half of England and south Wales. 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 Psoricoptera gibbosella. 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 Psoricoptera gibbosella (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Psoricoptera gibbosella
What is Psoricoptera gibbosella?
Psoricoptera gibbosella is a species in the family Gelechiidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Psoricoptera gibbosella found?
Habitat: Mature woodland.
When is Psoricoptera gibbosella active?
Psoricoptera gibbosella: seasonal activity - The adult moths are on the wing from July to October, when they can be found resting on tree trunks. They are also attracted to light..
What is the life cycle of a Psoricoptera gibbosella?
The larva feeds in a rolled leaf of Oak in the spring.