Sophronia semicostella
This record describes Sophronia semicostella (species). Recorded family: Gelechiidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan about 18 mm. A rather attractive and distinctive-looking Gelechiid, having a strong white costal streak, tufted labial palps and noticeably banded cilia in fresh specimens. The adult moths fly in June and July in the afternoon, but are also on the wing from dusk when they are attracted to light. The larval stages have yet to be fully described, but Sweet Vernal-grass (Anthoxanthum odoratum) is believed to be the probable foodplant. It is distributed throughout most of England and Wales but can be rather scarce in many areas. 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
- Sophronia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Grassland, sometimes in open woodland.
Seasonal Activity
The adult moths fly in June and July in the afternoon, but are also on the wing from dusk when they are attracted to light.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larval stages have yet to be fully described, but Sweet Vernal-grass (Anthoxanthum odoratum) is believed to be the probable foodplant.
Additional species information
Recorded status
It is distributed throughout most of England and Wales but can be rather scarce in many areas. 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 Sophronia semicostella. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sophronia semicostella
What is Sophronia semicostella?
Sophronia semicostella is a species in the family Gelechiidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Sophronia semicostella found?
Habitat: Grassland, sometimes in open woodland.
When is Sophronia semicostella active?
Sophronia semicostella: seasonal activity - The adult moths fly in June and July in the afternoon, but are also on the wing from dusk when they are attracted to light..
What is the life cycle of a Sophronia semicostella?
The larval stages have yet to be fully described, but Sweet Vernal-grass (Anthoxanthum odoratum) is believed to be the probable foodplant.