Saltmarsh Plume
Agdistis bennetii
This record describes Agdistis bennetii (species). Recorded family: Pterophoridae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 24 to 30 mm. Agdistis bennetii has a very distinctive resting posture, with its narrow wings held forward, and the front part of the body raised on the long forelegs. Unlike the other members of the Pterophoridae, the Agdistinae have forewings which are not cleft or separated into 'plumes'. Records should be supported by good photographs. If possible, please retain the specimen until the record has been verified. Usually found in Salt-marsh areas where the larvae feed on Sea-lavender. Adults fly in July and August, when they can be attracted by light. This is a very local species, which occurs mainly in salt-marshes in the south and east of England. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as local. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera
- Family
- Pterophoridae
- Genus
- Agdistis
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Usually found in Salt-marsh areas where the larvae feed on Sea-lavender.
Seasonal Activity
Adults fly in July and August, when they can be attracted by light.
Additional species information
Recorded status
This is a very local species, which occurs mainly in salt-marshes in the south and east of England. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as local.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Agdistis bennetii. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Saltmarsh Plume
What is Saltmarsh Plume?
Saltmarsh Plume (Agdistis bennetii) is a species in the family Pterophoridae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Saltmarsh Plume found?
Habitat: Usually found in Salt-marsh areas where the larvae feed on Sea-lavender.
When is Saltmarsh Plume active?
Saltmarsh Plume: seasonal activity - Adults fly in July and August, when they can be attracted by light..