Coleophora frischella
This record describes Coleophora frischella (species). Recorded family: Coleophoridae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 11.5 to 14.5 mm. In certain lights this species shows the same brassy metallic look as other family members. Almost identical to Coleophora alcyonipennella . These two species are not separable with certainty using external features so identification of likely specimens should be by dissection. Records for this species must be confirmed by gen det. It inhabits grassy areas where the food plant, clover (Trifolium sp.), is abundant. There are some indications that this species might be univoltine in contrast to C. alcyonipennella , so it is particularly worth checking specimens found in May and June. The larvae feed on the seeds of clover from within a cryptic case. Thought to be uncommon in Britain, although the distribution of this species is not well known, possibly due to difficulty of identification and confusion with Coleophora alcyonipennella . In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as Nationally Scarce B. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera
- Family
- Coleophoridae
- Genus
- Coleophora
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
It inhabits grassy areas where the food plant, clover (Trifolium sp.), is abundant.
Seasonal Activity
There are some indications that this species might be univoltine in contrast to
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae feed on the seeds of clover from within a cryptic case.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Thought to be uncommon in Britain, although the distribution of this species is not well known, possibly due to difficulty of identification and confusion with
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Coleophora frischella. 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 Coleophora frischella (2)
Frequently Asked Questions About Coleophora frischella
What is Coleophora frischella?
Coleophora frischella is a species in the family Coleophoridae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Coleophora frischella found?
Habitat: It inhabits grassy areas where the food plant, clover (Trifolium sp.), is abundant.
When is Coleophora frischella active?
Coleophora frischella: seasonal activity - There are some indications that this species might be univoltine in contrast to.
What is the life cycle of a Coleophora frischella?
The larvae feed on the seeds of clover from within a cryptic case.