Nemophora cupriacella (Hübner, 1819) Species
Last modified: Feb. 25, 2023, 5:42 p.m.
A very rare and local species in Belgium with scattered observations.
Details
- Classification
- Family: Adelidae > Subfamily: Adelinae > Genus: Nemophora > Species: Nemophora cupriacella
- Vernacular names
- Koperkleurige langsprietmot (NL), Coppery Long-horn (EN)
- Synonyms
- Nemophora cypriacella (Duponchel, 1844)
- First mention in Belgium
- De Fré Ch. 1858. Catalogue des Microlépidoptères de la Belgique. — Annales de la Société entomologique belge 2: 45–162. On page 117 (as cypriacellus). view page
- Status
-
Native
Distribution
Imago
Wingspan 13–16 mm. Nemophora cupriacella is parthenogenetic, which is why males are missing.
Antennae of females are slightly longer than forewing. Basal area of forewing coppery golden, often with greenish hue. Apical area of forewing coppery red with strong gloss.
Head rust yellow, antenna base thickened with steel-blue scales and with white end. Palp hairs long, bristly protruding, yellow (this is a difference with the black-coloured palps of Nemophora violellus).
Museum specimens
No pictures yet!Specimens in nature
Caterpillar
Yellowish, first abdominal segments are darker. Head, prothoracic and mesothoracic plates shining black, metathoracic plate shining dark brown.
Case
Oval, 8–11 mm, constructed from soil and small plant particles.
Bionomics
The larvae live initially on the seeds of the food plant, later building a case and feeding on fallen and lower leaves.
The adults are active during the day and evening.
Flight periods
Adults are on the wing from mid-June towards late July.
Habitat
The species inhabits dry grassy areas, wasteland and flowery meadows and grass edges.
