Argyresthia glaucinella
This record describes Argyresthia glaucinella (species). Recorded family: Argyresthiidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan about 9 mm. This species often shows more dark (brownish) markings than most other Argyresthia species, but detailed examination of genitallia is recommended when trying to identify it to species level. Determination of species by examination of genitallia is requested in VC55. It occurs in woodland habitat, especially where the larval host trees occur. Adults fly in June and July, though they are less easily encountered than other Argyresthia species. The larvae feed on Oak, Horse-chestnut and Birch feeding beneath the bark where their presence is sometimes betrayed by reddish frass on the surface. This species has a fairly wide distribution across the British Isles, but is relatively local. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as local. 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
It occurs in woodland habitat, especially where the larval host trees occur.
Seasonal Activity
Adults fly in June and July, though they are less easily encountered than other Argyresthia species.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae feed on Oak, Horse-chestnut and Birch feeding beneath the bark where their presence is sometimes betrayed by reddish frass on the surface.
Additional species information
Recorded status
This species has a fairly wide distribution across the British Isles, but is relatively local. In the Butterfly Conservation's 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 glaucinella. 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 glaucinella (2)
Frequently Asked Questions About Argyresthia glaucinella
What is Argyresthia glaucinella?
Argyresthia glaucinella is a species in the family Argyresthiidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Argyresthia glaucinella found?
Habitat: It occurs in woodland habitat, especially where the larval host trees occur.
When is Argyresthia glaucinella active?
Argyresthia glaucinella: seasonal activity - Adults fly in June and July, though they are less easily encountered than other Argyresthia species..
What is the life cycle of a Argyresthia glaucinella?
The larvae feed on Oak, Horse-chestnut and Birch feeding beneath the bark where their presence is sometimes betrayed by reddish frass on the surface.