LepidopteraGelechiidae – Twirler Moths

Aroga epigaeella - Hodges#2189

Aroga epigaeella

This record describes Aroga epigaeella (species). Recorded family: Gelechiidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.

Identification and Appearance

Aroga epigaeella - Hodges#2189 - Aroga epigaeella
Contributed by Maury J. Heiman; Additional contributions by Tony-2 , Blocky

Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Insecta
Order
Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
Superfamily
Gelechioidea
Family
Gelechiidae (Twirler Moths)
Subfamily
Gelechiinae
Tribe
Gelechiini
Genus
Aroga

Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.

Habitat and Range

Geographic Range

Scattered records throughout eastern North America. , , Moth Photographers Group - large map with some distribution data.

Seasonal Activity

Tha main flight period appears to be April to September. ( 3 )

Diet and Behavior

Diet: The larvae are reported to feed on Epigaea repens L. (trailing arbutus). ( 5 ) USDA distribution map

About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group

Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Aroga epigaeella. 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.

Explore Lepidoptera families and species →

Photos of Aroga epigaeella - Hodges#2189 (5)

Aroga epigaeella - Hodges#2189 - photo 1
Contributed by Maury J. Heiman; Additional contributions by Tony-2 , Blocky
Aroga epigaeella - Hodges#2189 - photo 2
Contributed by Maury J. Heiman; Additional contributions by Tony-2 , Blocky
Aroga epigaeella - Hodges#2189 - photo 3
Contributed by Maury J. Heiman; Additional contributions by Tony-2 , Blocky
Aroga epigaeella - Hodges#2189 - photo 4
Contributed by Maury J. Heiman; Additional contributions by Tony-2 , Blocky
Aroga epigaeella - Hodges#2189 - photo 5
Contributed by Maury J. Heiman; Additional contributions by Tony-2 , Blocky

Photo credits: Contributed by Maury J. Heiman; Additional contributions by Tony-2 , Blocky

Frequently Asked Questions About Aroga epigaeella - Hodges#2189

Where is Aroga epigaeella - Hodges#2189 found?

Range: Scattered records throughout eastern North America. , , Moth Photographers Group - large map with some distribution data.

What does Aroga epigaeella - Hodges#2189 eat?

The diet of the Aroga epigaeella - Hodges#2189 includes The larvae are reported to feed on Epigaea repens L. (trailing arbutus). ( 5 ) USDA distribution map.

When is Aroga epigaeella - Hodges#2189 active?

Aroga epigaeella - Hodges#2189: seasonal activity - Tha main flight period appears to be April to September. ( 3 ).

How we use and review source data. Source count does not imply independent verification.

Photo credits: Contributed by Maury J. Heiman; Additional contributions by Tony-2 , Blocky. Contributors retain copyright over their individual contributions.