Argyresthia glabratella
This record describes Argyresthia glabratella (species). Recorded family: Argyresthiidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan about 10 mm. One of two greyish, unicolourous Argyresthia species, this can be confused with A. laevigatella, although the present species is usually paler grey and slightly smaller, and the two use different foodplants, which be diagnostic, especially if adults are beaten from the foliage. Adult moths are on the wing in May and June, and are attracted to light. The larvae of this species feed on Norway Spruce (Picea abies), mining the shoots and causing them to become discoloured. Present in south and south-east England, with a somewhat more scattered distribution northwards into Scotland. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain 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
Areas with Norway Spruce.
Seasonal Activity
Adult moths are on the wing in May and June, and are attracted to light.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae of this species feed on Norway Spruce (Picea abies), mining the shoots and causing them to become discoloured.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Present in south and south-east England, with a somewhat more scattered distribution northwards into Scotland. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as Nationally Scarce B.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Argyresthia glabratella. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Argyresthia glabratella
What is Argyresthia glabratella?
Argyresthia glabratella is a species in the family Argyresthiidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Argyresthia glabratella found?
Habitat: Areas with Norway Spruce.
When is Argyresthia glabratella active?
Argyresthia glabratella: seasonal activity - Adult moths are on the wing in May and June, and are attracted to light..
What is the life cycle of a Argyresthia glabratella?
The larvae of this species feed on Norway Spruce (Picea abies), mining the shoots and causing them to become discoloured.