Ectoedemia argyropeza
This record describes Ectoedemia argyropeza (species). Recorded family: Nepticulidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
A small moth with a wingspan of about 7 mm. It lacks discrete white spots but does show a suggestion of mid-costal and dorsal white spots; frontal tuft pale ferruginous, collar concolorous; eyecaps white. The larva mines the leaves of Aspen, first galling the leaf petiole, then forming a triangular blotch extending from the midrib. The larvae continue to feed in 'green islands' in fallen leaves. There is a single generation, and the adults are on the wing in May and June. The larva mines the leaves of Aspen (Populus tremula). Parthenogenetic (females only). Locally distributed throughout mainland Britain, though more plentiful in the south. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as local. http://www.leafmines.co.uk/html/Lepidoptera/E.argyropeza3.htm https://bladmineerders.nl/parasites/animalia/arthropoda/insecta/lepidoptera/monotrysia/nepticuloidea/nepticulidae/ectoedemia/ectoedemia-argyropeza/
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Nepticuloidea
- Family
- Nepticulidae
- Genus
- Ectoedemia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Where Aspen is present.
Seasonal Activity
There is a single generation, and the adults are on the wing in May and June.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larva mines the leaves of Aspen (Populus tremula). Parthenogenetic (females only).
Additional species information
Recorded status
Locally distributed throughout mainland Britain, though more plentiful in the south. 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 Ectoedemia argyropeza. 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 Ectoedemia argyropeza (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Ectoedemia argyropeza
What is Ectoedemia argyropeza?
Ectoedemia argyropeza is a species in the family Nepticulidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Ectoedemia argyropeza found?
Habitat: Where Aspen is present.
When is Ectoedemia argyropeza active?
Ectoedemia argyropeza: seasonal activity - There is a single generation, and the adults are on the wing in May and June..
What is the life cycle of a Ectoedemia argyropeza?
The larva mines the leaves of Aspen (Populus tremula). Parthenogenetic (females only).