Argyresthia semitestacella
This record describes Argyresthia semitestacella (species). Recorded family: Argyresthiidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 11 to 14mm. One of the larger of the Argyresthia species. It has a relatively plain golden brown forewing with a whitish dorsal streak extending for much of the forewing length. In areas where the larval foodplant, Beech is found. It is quite a late flyer, being on the wing in August and September. The larva feeds on the shoots of beech (Fagus), and can be found in May and June. This species is distributed fairly widely but locally over much of the British Isles. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as local.
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
In areas where the larval foodplant, Beech is found.
Seasonal Activity
It is quite a late flyer, being on the wing in August and September.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larva feeds on the shoots of beech (Fagus), and can be found in May and June.
Additional species information
Recorded status
This species is distributed fairly widely but locally over much of the British Isles. 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 semitestacella. 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 semitestacella (4)
Frequently Asked Questions About Argyresthia semitestacella
What is Argyresthia semitestacella?
Argyresthia semitestacella is a species in the family Argyresthiidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Argyresthia semitestacella found?
Habitat: In areas where the larval foodplant, Beech is found.
When is Argyresthia semitestacella active?
Argyresthia semitestacella: seasonal activity - It is quite a late flyer, being on the wing in August and September..
What is the life cycle of a Argyresthia semitestacella?
The larva feeds on the shoots of beech (Fagus), and can be found in May and June.