Argyresthia brockeella
This record describes Argyresthia brockeella (species). Recorded family: Argyresthiidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 9-12 mm. One of several similar very small but brightly-coloured moths. Quite distinctive with its metallic bronze and white-spotted appearance but easily overlooked due to its size. Members of this genus rest distinctively 'head-down'. The larvae feed on the catkins of Birch and Alder This is a common species throughout Britain. In the Butterfly Conservation’s Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as common.
Wikipedia reference for Argyresthia brockeella: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Argyresthia_brockeella.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Yponomeutoidea
- Family
- Argyresthiidae (Shiny Headstand Moths)
- Subfamily
- Argyresthiinae
- Genus
- rest distinctively 'head-down'. (Argents)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Various but favours well wooded areas
Seasonal Activity
On the wing in June and July
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae feed on the catkins of Birch and Alder
Additional species information
Recorded status
This is a common species throughout 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 brockeella. 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 brockeella (7)
Frequently Asked Questions About Argyresthia brockeella
What is Argyresthia brockeella?
Argyresthia brockeella is a species in the family Argyresthiidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Argyresthia brockeella found?
Habitat: Various but favours well wooded areas
When is Argyresthia brockeella active?
Argyresthia brockeella: seasonal activity - On the wing in June and July.
What is the life cycle of a Argyresthia brockeella?
The larvae feed on the catkins of Birch and Alder