LepidopteraGracillariidae – Leaf Blotch Miner Moths

Undescribed species on coastal plain staggerbush

Cameraria new-species-on-lyonia-fruticosa

This record describes Cameraria new-species-on-lyonia-fruticosa (species). Recorded family: Gracillariidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.

Identification and Appearance

Undescribed species on coastal plain staggerbush - Cameraria new-species-on-lyonia-fruticosa
Contributed by Charley Eiseman

Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Insecta
Order
Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
Superfamily
Gracillarioidea
Family
Gracillariidae (Leaf Blotch Miner Moths)
Subfamily
Lithocolletinae
Genus
Cameraria

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

Habitat and Range

Geographic Range

This species is common in Florida.

Seasonal Activity

Adults from March to May

Diet and Behavior

Diet: Larvae mine leaves of Lyonia fruticosa

About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group

Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Cameraria new-species-on-lyonia-fruticosa. 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 →

Frequently Asked Questions About Undescribed species on coastal plain staggerbush

Where is Undescribed species on coastal plain staggerbush found?

Range: This species is common in Florida.

What does Undescribed species on coastal plain staggerbush eat?

The diet of the Undescribed species on coastal plain staggerbush includes Larvae mine leaves of Lyonia fruticosa.

When is Undescribed species on coastal plain staggerbush active?

Undescribed species on coastal plain staggerbush: seasonal activity - Adults from March to May.

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

Photo credits: Contributed by Charley Eiseman. Contributors retain copyright over their individual contributions.