Teleiopsis diffinis
This record describes Teleiopsis diffinis (species). Recorded family: Gelechiidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
The species has two or more probable overlapping broods and can be found on the wing any time between May and October. Sheep's Sorrel (Rumex acetosa) is the larval foodplant, the larvae feeding amongst the roots or at the base of the stems in a silken gallery. A fairly common and widespread species throughout most of the British Isles except the northern isles of Scotland. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as common. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera
- Family
- Gelechiidae
- Genus
- Teleiopsis
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Areas where Sheep's Sorrel occurs.
Seasonal Activity
The species has two or more probable overlapping broods and can be found on the wing any time between May and October.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Sheep's Sorrel (Rumex acetosa) is the larval foodplant, the larvae feeding amongst the roots or at the base of the stems in a silken gallery.
Additional species information
Recorded status
A fairly common and widespread species throughout most of the British Isles except the northern isles of Scotland. 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 Teleiopsis diffinis. 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 Teleiopsis diffinis (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Teleiopsis diffinis
What is Teleiopsis diffinis?
Teleiopsis diffinis is a species in the family Gelechiidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Teleiopsis diffinis found?
Habitat: Areas where Sheep's Sorrel occurs.
When is Teleiopsis diffinis active?
Teleiopsis diffinis: seasonal activity - The species has two or more probable overlapping broods and can be found on the wing any time between May and October..
What is the life cycle of a Teleiopsis diffinis?
Sheep's Sorrel (Rumex acetosa) is the larval foodplant, the larvae feeding amongst the roots or at the base of the stems in a silken gallery.