Prolita sexpunctella
(Fabricius, 1794)
six-spot groundling, long-horned flat-back, groundling
Prolita sexpunctella is a small with a wingspan of 13–17 mm, found across Europe and North America. are active during May and June and are . The is notable for its distinctive pattern featuring five on dark reddish- . are leaf-tiers that feed on specific plants including heather and mountain avens.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Prolita sexpunctella: /prəˈlaɪtə sɛkspʌŋkˈtɛlə/
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Identification
Distinguished from similar Prolita by the specific arrangement of five on the , with the fascia extending along the . The elongated palpal joint (as long as the second joint) is a diagnostic feature. Day-flying in late spring helps separate it from . Dark fuscous with first discal above plical provides additional confirmation.
Images
Habitat
Associated with open supporting larval plants: heathlands, moorlands, and alpine or subalpine zones where Dryas octopetala occurs. Larval habitat specifically involves living leaves of host plants that are spun together for shelter.
Distribution
Recorded across most of Europe and North America. Specific regional records include Belgium (including Walloon Region, Liège province, and Luxembourg province) and Denmark.
Seasonality
active from May to June. overwinter within spun leaf shelters.
Diet
feed on leaves of Calluna (including Calluna vulgaris, common heather), Empetrum nigrum (crowberry), and Dryas octopetala (mountain avens).
Host Associations
- Calluna vulgaris - larval common heather
- Empetrum nigrum - larval crowberry
- Dryas octopetala - larval mountain avens
Life Cycle
feed on leaves, spinning them together for shelter. occurs within these leaf shelters. presumably occurs within the larval shelter in spring, with in May–June.
Behavior
are , flying during daylight hours. construct shelters by spinning leaves together and remain within these structures through winter.
Ecological Role
in heathland and moorland . Leaf-tying creates temporary microhabitats that may be used by other small .
Human Relevance
No significant economic or cultural importance recorded. Occasionally encountered by naturalists due to activity.
Similar Taxa
- Other Prolita speciesSimilar size and general ; distinguished by specific pattern of five and palpal proportions
More Details
Nomenclatural history
Originally described as Tinea sexpunctella by Fabricius in 1794; later transferred to Prolita.