Triaxomasia caprimulgella
This record describes Triaxomasia caprimulgella (species). Recorded family: Tineidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Determination by genitalia examination (gen. det.) required. Little is known about its lifecycle, though it is most often found around hollow trees. In recent years, it has been attracted to Hornet Moth pheromone lures. Adults appear to be on the wing from about June to August. Little is known about its lifecycle, though it is most often found around hollow trees; in some cases adults were found around spiders' webs, leading to the suggestion that the larvae may feed on rotten wood or dead insects. This a scarce species is rarely observed, with just a few records in Britain. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as RDB1. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera
- Family
- Tineidae
- Genus
- Triaxomasia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Little is known about its lifecycle, though it is most often found around hollow trees. In recent years, it has been attracted to Hornet Moth pheromone lures.
Seasonal Activity
Adults appear to be on the wing from about June to August.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Little is known about its lifecycle, though it is most often found around hollow trees; in some cases adults were found around spiders' webs, leading to the suggestion that the larvae may feed on rotten wood or dead insects.
Additional species information
Recorded status
This a scarce species is rarely observed, with just a few records in Britain. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as RDB1.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Triaxomasia caprimulgella. 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 Triaxomasia caprimulgella
What is Triaxomasia caprimulgella?
Triaxomasia caprimulgella is a species in the family Tineidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Triaxomasia caprimulgella found?
Habitat: Little is known about its lifecycle, though it is most often found around hollow trees. In recent years, it has been attracted to Hornet Moth pheromone lures.
When is Triaxomasia caprimulgella active?
Triaxomasia caprimulgella: seasonal activity - Adults appear to be on the wing from about June to August..
What is the life cycle of a Triaxomasia caprimulgella?
Little is known about its lifecycle, though it is most often found around hollow trees; in some cases adults were found around spiders' webs, leading to the suggestion that the larvae may feed on rotten wood or dead insects.