Chionodes lophosella - Hodges#2089
Chionodes lophosella
This record describes Chionodes lophosella (species). Recorded family: Gelechiidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Chionodes lophosella - Hodges#2089 (Chionodes lophosella) is a species in the family Gelechiidae, commonly known as twirler moths, belonging to the order Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths). It is classified within the subfamily Gelechiinae, tribe Gelechiini, superfamily Gelechioidea. This species belongs to the genus Chionodes. As a member of class Insecta, phylum Arthropoda, it is part of the kingdom Animalia. Size: Busck reported a wingspan of 12 mm. Powell & Opler listed the forewing length as 3.8-5.2 mm.. Active during Powell & Opler reported adults from late March to October. Two flights during this period is possible..
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Gelechioidea
- Family
- Gelechiidae (Twirler Moths)
- Subfamily
- Gelechiinae
- Tribe
- Gelechiini
- Genus
- Chionodes
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Powell & Opler reported coastal Washington to southern California, and stated Baja California is probably included. Holotype ♂ collected in the month of May by L.E. Ricksecker in San Diego, San Diego County, California, #12689, United States National Museum (USNM).
Seasonal Activity
Powell & Opler (2009) reported adults from late March to October. Two flights during this period is possible. ( 4 )
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Powell & Opler (2009) listed two host plants. ( 4 ) Lupinus arboreus Sims (yellow bush lupine) Lupinus chamissonis Eschsch. (Chamisso bush lupine)
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Chionodes lophosella. 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 Chionodes lophosella - Hodges#2089 (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Maury J. Heiman
Frequently Asked Questions About Chionodes lophosella - Hodges#2089
What is Chionodes lophosella - Hodges#2089?
Chionodes lophosella - Hodges#2089 (Chionodes lophosella) is a species in the family Gelechiidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
How big is Chionodes lophosella - Hodges#2089?
Busck reported a wingspan of 12 mm. Powell & Opler listed the forewing length as 3.8-5.2 mm.
Where is Chionodes lophosella - Hodges#2089 found?
Range: Powell & Opler reported coastal Washington to southern California, and stated Baja California is probably included. Holotype ♂ collected in the month of May by L.E. Ricksecker in San Diego, San Diego County, California, #12689, United States National Museum (USNM).
What does Chionodes lophosella - Hodges#2089 eat?
The diet of the Chionodes lophosella - Hodges#2089 includes Powell & Opler (2009) listed two host plants. ( 4 ) Lupinus arboreus Sims (yellow bush lupine) Lupinus chamissonis Eschsch. (Chamisso bush lupine).
When is Chionodes lophosella - Hodges#2089 active?
Chionodes lophosella - Hodges#2089: seasonal activity - Powell & Opler (2009) reported adults from late March to October. Two flights during this period is possible. ( 4 ).