Argyresthia dilectella
This record describes Argyresthia dilectella (species). Recorded family: Argyresthiidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Gardens and parks where either Juniper or Cypress Fir is present. It flies at night in July and August, and can be attracted to strong light. Larval foodplants are Juniper and Cypress Fir. It is widely distributed in England and Wales, becoming scarcer in Scotland and Ireland. This is one of several related species which are probably becoming more widespread as a result of the increase in garden juniper and cypress firs. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as Nationally Scarce B. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera
- Family
- Argyresthiidae
- Genus
- Argyresthia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Gardens and parks where either Juniper or Cypress Fir is present.
Seasonal Activity
It flies at night in July and August, and can be attracted to strong light.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Larval foodplants are Juniper and Cypress Fir.
Additional species information
Recorded status
It is widely distributed in England and Wales, becoming scarcer in Scotland and Ireland. This is one of several related species which are probably becoming more widespread as a result of the increase in garden juniper and cypress firs. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as Nationally Scarce B.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Argyresthia dilectella. 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 dilectella (2)
Frequently Asked Questions About Argyresthia dilectella
What is Argyresthia dilectella?
Argyresthia dilectella is a species in the family Argyresthiidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Argyresthia dilectella found?
Habitat: Gardens and parks where either Juniper or Cypress Fir is present.
When is Argyresthia dilectella active?
Argyresthia dilectella: seasonal activity - It flies at night in July and August, and can be attracted to strong light..
What is the life cycle of a Argyresthia dilectella?
Larval foodplants are Juniper and Cypress Fir.