Argyresthia sorbiella
This record describes Argyresthia sorbiella (species). Recorded family: Argyresthiidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan about 12mm. Adults are similar to A. curvella , but have a paler, more golden appearance to the brown markings, and are generally larger. Good quality photos are required and the specimen should be retained until the record has been accepted. The flight period is June and July, when the species can be attracted to light. Rowan and Whitebeam are the foodplants of the larva, which feeds in a shoot. A widespread but fairly local species over much of mainland Britain, scarcer in Ireland. 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
Woodland and other well wooded areas.
Seasonal Activity
The flight period is June and July, when the species can be attracted to light.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Rowan and Whitebeam are the foodplants of the larva, which feeds in a shoot.
Additional species information
Recorded status
A widespread but fairly local species over much of mainland Britain, scarcer in Ireland. 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 sorbiella. 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 sorbiella
What is Argyresthia sorbiella?
Argyresthia sorbiella is a species in the family Argyresthiidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Argyresthia sorbiella found?
Habitat: Woodland and other well wooded areas.
When is Argyresthia sorbiella active?
Argyresthia sorbiella: seasonal activity - The flight period is June and July, when the species can be attracted to light..
What is the life cycle of a Argyresthia sorbiella?
Rowan and Whitebeam are the foodplants of the larva, which feeds in a shoot.