Teleiodes vulgella
This record describes Teleiodes vulgella (species). Recorded family: Gelechiidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
A fairly distinctive moth in the adult stage, this species has small blackish patches bordered by raised whitish scale-tufts, giving it a noticeably 'rough' appearance. Various habitats including gardens and well wooded areas. The adults fly at night in June and July and often visit the light-trap. The larvae feed on a number of shrubs and trees, including Hawthorn and Blackthorn. Quite a common species throughout most of Britain. In the Butterfly Conservation’s Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as common.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera
- Family
- Gelechiidae
- Genus
- Teleiodes
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Various habitats including gardens and well wooded areas.
Seasonal Activity
The adults fly at night in June and July and often visit the light-trap.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae feed on a number of shrubs and trees, including Hawthorn and Blackthorn.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Quite a common species throughout most of Britain. In the Butterfly Conservation’s Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as common.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Teleiodes vulgella. 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 Teleiodes vulgella (6)
Frequently Asked Questions About Teleiodes vulgella
What is Teleiodes vulgella?
Teleiodes vulgella is a species in the family Gelechiidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Teleiodes vulgella found?
Habitat: Various habitats including gardens and well wooded areas.
When is Teleiodes vulgella active?
Teleiodes vulgella: seasonal activity - The adults fly at night in June and July and often visit the light-trap..
What is the life cycle of a Teleiodes vulgella?
The larvae feed on a number of shrubs and trees, including Hawthorn and Blackthorn.