Ptocheuusa paupella
This record describes Ptocheuusa paupella (species). Recorded family: Gelechiidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
The wingspan is 10 to 12 mm. A small but rather attractive species, having a buff ground colour streaked whitish and with darker speckling. This is a very uncommon moth in VC55 and all records must be supported by a clear photograph or a specimen. It frequents generally damper habitats especially where Common Fleabane is present. Adults are on wing in June and again from August to September. The larvae feed in the seedheads of a number of plants, most notably Common Fleabane and Golden Samphire. Its distribution covers the southern half of England, with the odd record further north. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as local.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera
- Family
- Gelechiidae
- Genus
- Ptocheuusa
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
It frequents generally damper habitats especially where Common Fleabane is present.
Seasonal Activity
Adults are on wing in June and again from August to September.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae feed in the seedheads of a number of plants, most notably Common Fleabane and Golden Samphire.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Its distribution covers the southern half of England, with the odd record further north. 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 Ptocheuusa paupella. 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 Ptocheuusa paupella (7)
Frequently Asked Questions About Ptocheuusa paupella
What is Ptocheuusa paupella?
Ptocheuusa paupella is a species in the family Gelechiidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Ptocheuusa paupella found?
Habitat: It frequents generally damper habitats especially where Common Fleabane is present.
When is Ptocheuusa paupella active?
Ptocheuusa paupella: seasonal activity - Adults are on wing in June and again from August to September..
What is the life cycle of a Ptocheuusa paupella?
The larvae feed in the seedheads of a number of plants, most notably Common Fleabane and Golden Samphire.