Argyresthia curvella
This record describes Argyresthia curvella (species). Recorded family: Argyresthiidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
The adult flies at night in June and July and is attracted to light. The larva feeds on the flowers of apple trees (Malus), and can be a pest where it is abundant. Widespread and locally frequent in areas of Britain where apple trees are found. In the Butterfly Conservations Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as local. No additional images available for this species.
Wikipedia reference for Argyresthia curvella: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Argyresthia_curvella.
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
Found in gardens and orchards.
Seasonal Activity
The adult flies at night in June and July and is attracted to light.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larva feeds on the flowers of apple trees (Malus), and can be a pest where it is abundant.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread and locally frequent in areas of Britain where apple trees are found. 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 Argyresthia curvella. 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 curvella (6)
Frequently Asked Questions About Argyresthia curvella
What is Argyresthia curvella?
Argyresthia curvella is a species in the family Argyresthiidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Argyresthia curvella found?
Habitat: Found in gardens and orchards.
When is Argyresthia curvella active?
Argyresthia curvella: seasonal activity - The adult flies at night in June and July and is attracted to light..
What is the life cycle of a Argyresthia curvella?
The larva feeds on the flowers of apple trees (Malus), and can be a pest where it is abundant.