Taxonomy
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Lepidoptera
- Family: Gelechiidae
- Genus: Syncopacma
- Species: Syncopacma larseniella
- Authority: (Stainton, 1851)
Synonyms
- Gelechia larseniella Stainton, 1851
Description
Syncopacma larseniella is a small moth with a wingspan typically ranging from 9 to 12 mm. The forewings are narrow and elongate, displaying a dark brown to blackish ground colour often interspersed with faint, lighter transverse markings. Hindwings are greyish and fringed. The species exhibits the characteristic slender body and pointed wing shape typical of many Gelechiidae.
Life cycle and ecology
- Adult flight period: Adults are most commonly on the wing from late May through August, with peak activity in June and July, depending on the local climate.
- Larval host plants: The larvae are leaf miners and feed primarily on plants in the Fabaceae family, especially species of Lotus (e.g., Lotus corniculatus). They create characteristic mines within the leaf tissue before pupating.
- Habitat: The moth inhabits open, grassy areas such as meadows, heathlands, and roadside verges where host plants are abundant.
Distribution
The species is distributed across much of Europe. Recorded occurrences include the United Kingdom, Ireland, Scandinavia (Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland), the Baltic states, Central Europe (Germany, Poland, Czech Republic, Austria, Switzerland), and southern regions extending into the Mediterranean basin. Isolated records also exist from western parts of Russia.
Conservation status
No specific conservation assessment has been published for Syncopacma larseniella on the IUCN Red List. In most parts of its range, it is considered locally common in suitable habitats.
References
- Fauna Europaea – Syncopacma larseniella entry.
- UK Moths (online database), species profile for Syncopacma larseniella.
- Wilkinson, R. L. (2002). Moths of the British Isles and Europe. London: Collins.
This entry reflects information available in recognized entomological databases and publications. No unverified claims are presented.
