Gelechia versutella - Hodges#1966
Gelechia versutella
This record describes Gelechia versutella (species). Recorded family: Gelechiidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Gelechia versutella - Hodges#1966 (Gelechia versutella) 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 Gelechia. As a member of class Insecta, phylum Arthropoda, it is part of the kingdom Animalia. Size: Forewing length 6.5-7.5 mm.. Active during The flight period is March to September..
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Gelechioidea
- Family
- Gelechiidae (Twirler Moths)
- Subfamily
- Gelechiinae
- Tribe
- Gelechiini
- Genus
- Gelechia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
TL: Texas (leg. Boll) Busck examined specimens reared from cottonwood in El Paso, TX; Jetsam [Pool, Yellowstone NP?], WY; and Denver, CO. Montana and Wyoming to Texas and California.
Seasonal Activity
The flight period is March to September. ( 3 )
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Powell & Opler reported the larvae are reported on several species of Populus . Populus fremontii (cottonwood) Populus tremuloides (aspen)
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Gelechia versutella. 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 Gelechia versutella - Hodges#1966 (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Maury J. Heiman; Additional contributions by Steve Nanz , Blocky
Frequently Asked Questions About Gelechia versutella - Hodges#1966
What is Gelechia versutella - Hodges#1966?
Gelechia versutella - Hodges#1966 (Gelechia versutella) is a species in the family Gelechiidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
How big is Gelechia versutella - Hodges#1966?
Forewing length 6.5-7.5 mm.
Where is Gelechia versutella - Hodges#1966 found?
Range: TL: Texas (leg. Boll) Busck examined specimens reared from cottonwood in El Paso, TX; Jetsam [Pool, Yellowstone NP?], WY; and Denver, CO. Montana and Wyoming to Texas and California.
What does Gelechia versutella - Hodges#1966 eat?
The diet of the Gelechia versutella - Hodges#1966 includes Powell & Opler reported the larvae are reported on several species of Populus . Populus fremontii (cottonwood) Populus tremuloides (aspen).
When is Gelechia versutella - Hodges#1966 active?
Gelechia versutella - Hodges#1966: seasonal activity - The flight period is March to September. ( 3 ).