Aproaerema anthyllidella
This record describes Aproaerema anthyllidella (species). Recorded family: Gelechiidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan about 11mm. The intensity and extent of the creamy markings on the forewing can be variable, and they are sometimes absent altogether. This species mainly inhabits dunes, dry grassland and rough pasture where kidney vetch occurs. There are two generations, flying in May and June and again in August and September. A local species throughout most of the British Isles, and less frequent in Scotland. In the Butterfly Conservations Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as local.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera
- Family
- Gelechiidae
- Genus
- Aproaerema
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
This species mainly inhabits dunes, dry grassland and rough pasture where kidney vetch occurs.
Seasonal Activity
There are two generations, flying in May and June and again in August and September.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larval foodplant is Kidney Vetch.
Additional species information
Recorded status
A local species throughout most of the British Isles, and less frequent in Scotland. In the Butterfly Conservations Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as local.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Aproaerema anthyllidella. 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.
Photos of Aproaerema anthyllidella (9)
Frequently Asked Questions About Aproaerema anthyllidella
What is Aproaerema anthyllidella?
Aproaerema anthyllidella is a species in the family Gelechiidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Aproaerema anthyllidella found?
Habitat: This species mainly inhabits dunes, dry grassland and rough pasture where kidney vetch occurs.
When is Aproaerema anthyllidella active?
Aproaerema anthyllidella: seasonal activity - There are two generations, flying in May and June and again in August and September..
What is the life cycle of a Aproaerema anthyllidella?
The larval foodplant is Kidney Vetch.