Stigmella diffasciae - Hodges#0075
Stigmella diffasciae
This record describes Stigmella diffasciae (species). Recorded family: Nepticulidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Nepticuloidea
- Family
- Nepticulidae
- Genus
- Stigmella
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
California. Holotype from Dutch Flat, Placer County, California.
Seasonal Activity
February to May, September and October. Powell & Opler reported the adults emerge beginning in February.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Powell & Opler (2009) listed Rhamnus californicum (coffeeberry). Newton & Wilkinson (1982) ( 4 ) listed Ceanothus , but Powell & Opler (2009) stated the notes have not been confirmed. ( 3 )
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Stigmella diffasciae. 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 Stigmella diffasciae - Hodges#0075 (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Maury J. Heiman
Frequently Asked Questions About Stigmella diffasciae - Hodges#0075
How big is Stigmella diffasciae - Hodges#0075?
Braun listed the wingspan as 5.5-5.8 mm. Powell & Opler reported the forewing length as 2.2-2.4 mm.
Where is Stigmella diffasciae - Hodges#0075 found?
Range: California. Holotype from Dutch Flat, Placer County, California.
What does Stigmella diffasciae - Hodges#0075 eat?
The diet of the Stigmella diffasciae - Hodges#0075 includes Powell & Opler (2009) listed Rhamnus californicum (coffeeberry). Newton & Wilkinson (1982) ( 4 ) listed Ceanothus , but Powell & Opler (2009) stated the notes have not been confirmed. ( 3 ).
When is Stigmella diffasciae - Hodges#0075 active?
Stigmella diffasciae - Hodges#0075: seasonal activity - February to May, September and October. Powell & Opler reported the adults emerge beginning in February..