Zelleria oleastrella
This record describes Zelleria oleastrella (species). Recorded family: Yponomeutidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan between12 and 15mm. This species is much paler than the related Zelleria hepariella. Due to the rarity of this species in our area, your record should be supported by a good close-up photograph, and the specimen should be retained until confirmed by the County Recorder. Most likely to be encountered as a migrant or adventive. Possibly introduced from Europe on imported Olive trees. We have noted records in Britain between May and September. The larvae mine the leaves of Olive, and pupate in a silken cocoon. First recorded in Britain in 2006, this species remains a rare migrant in Britain. https://www.ukmoths.org.uk/species/zelleria-oleastrella/adult/ No additional images available for this species.
Wikipedia reference for Zelleria oleastrella: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zelleria_oleastrella.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Yponomeutoidea
- Family
- Yponomeutidae (Ermine Moths)
- Subfamily
- Yponomeutinae
- Tribe
- Yponomeutini
- Genus
- Zelleria
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Most likely to be encountered as a migrant or adventive. Possibly introduced from Europe on imported Olive trees.
Seasonal Activity
We have noted records in Britain between May and September.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae mine the leaves of Olive, and pupate in a silken cocoon.
Additional species information
Recorded status
First recorded in Britain in 2006, this species remains a rare migrant in Britain.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Zelleria oleastrella. 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 Zelleria oleastrella (8)
Frequently Asked Questions About Zelleria oleastrella
What is Zelleria oleastrella?
Zelleria oleastrella is a species in the family Yponomeutidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Zelleria oleastrella found?
Habitat: Most likely to be encountered as a migrant or adventive. Possibly introduced from Europe on imported Olive trees.
When is Zelleria oleastrella active?
Zelleria oleastrella: seasonal activity - We have noted records in Britain between May and September..
What is the life cycle of a Zelleria oleastrella?
The larvae mine the leaves of Olive, and pupate in a silken cocoon.