Micropterix aruncella

Micropterix aruncella is a species of moth belonging to the family Micropterigidae. This is one of the best known members of the family, being found in a wide range of habitats from sea level to over 2,000 metres (6,600 ft). The only habitat not favoured by this species is dense woodland. It is distributed throughout Europe except the Iberian Peninsula.[1]

Micropterix aruncella
Scientific classification
Kingdom:
Animalia
Phylum:
Arthropoda
Class:
Insecta
Order:
Lepidoptera
Family:
Micropterigidae
Genus:
Micropterix
Species:
M. aruncella
Binomial name
Micropterix aruncella
Synonyms
  • Phalaena aruncella Scopoli, 1763
  • Tinea seppella Fabricius, 1777
  • Tinea podevinella Hübner, 1813
  • Lampronia concinnella
  • Micropteryx eximiella Zeller, 1850
  • Eriocephala atricapilla Wocke, 1877
  • Micropteryx nuraghella Amsel, 1936

Description

This very small moth has a maximum forewing length of only 4 millimetres (0.16 in). Their wingspan is 6 millimetres (0.24 in) or 7 millimetres (0.28 in).[2] The colour of the forewings is rather variable but is usually reddish golden. Females usually have no other markings but males are marked with two silvery white bands.[3]

Habitat

They can be found in various dry habitats including downland and hillsides.[2]

Ecology

Like other members of the family, this species has functional jaws and it feeds as an adult on pollen grains from a wide variety of flowers including those of Crataegus, Cytisus, Lychnis, Pinus, Plantago, Rosa, Urtica and Veronica as well as numerous grasses. Depending on elevation and latitude, the adults may be encountered in daytime from May to August.[2]

The larva feeds on detritus before pupating in a tough cocoon.

References
  1. "Micropterix aruncella (Scopoli, 1763)". 2.6.2. Fauna Europaea. 29 August 2013. Retrieved 12 November 2013.
  2. "Micropterix aruncella". Retrieved February 27, 2013.
  3. "Micropterix aruncella". UK Moths. Retrieved 27 February 2013.

Further reading


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