Argyresthia albistria
This record describes Argyresthia albistria (species). Recorded family: Argyresthiidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 9-12 mm. A plainer and less metallic-looking species than many others of the genus, this moth has a chestnut-brown forewing, usually with a creamy-white stripe from the head to about a third the length of the wing. Various habitats, especially areas where Blackthorn is present. It flies at night in July and August and is attracted to light. The larvae feed on Blackthorn overwintering and feeding in the spring. Reasonably frequent, especially in the southern half of Britain. In the Butterfly Conservation’s Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as common.
Wikipedia reference for Argyresthia albistria: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Argyresthia albistria.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Yponomeutoidea
- Family
- Argyresthiidae (Shiny Headstand Moths)
- Subfamily
- Argyresthiinae
- Genus
- Argyresthia (Argents)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Various habitats, especially areas where Blackthorn is present.
Seasonal Activity
It flies at night in July and August and is attracted to light.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae feed on Blackthorn overwintering and feeding in the spring.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Reasonably frequent, especially in the southern half of Britain. In the Butterfly Conservation’s Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as common.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Argyresthia albistria. 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 Argyresthia albistria (5)
Frequently Asked Questions About Argyresthia albistria
What is Argyresthia albistria?
Argyresthia albistria is a species in the family Argyresthiidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Argyresthia albistria found?
Habitat: Various habitats, especially areas where Blackthorn is present.
When is Argyresthia albistria active?
Argyresthia albistria: seasonal activity - It flies at night in July and August and is attracted to light..
What is the life cycle of a Argyresthia albistria?
The larvae feed on Blackthorn overwintering and feeding in the spring.