Helcystogramma badia - Hodges#2263
Helcystogramma badia
This record describes Helcystogramma badia (species). Recorded family: Gelechiidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
The original description as Brachmia badia Braun, is available in the print references below. Powell & Opler (2009) refer to the species as Helcystogramma badium . ( 4 )
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Gelechioidea
- Family
- Gelechiidae (Twirler Moths)
- Subfamily
- Dichomeridinae
- Genus
- Helcystogramma
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
California to Utah. Holotype from Fredalba, California, August 13, collected by G. R. Pilate. ,
Seasonal Activity
The adults are most common from July to August. ( 5 )
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Helcystogramma badia. 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 Helcystogramma badia - Hodges#2263 (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Maury J. Heiman
Frequently Asked Questions About Helcystogramma badia - Hodges#2263
What is Helcystogramma badia - Hodges#2263?
Helcystogramma badia - Hodges#2263 (Helcystogramma badia) is a species in the family Gelechiidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
How big is Helcystogramma badia - Hodges#2263?
Powell & Opler report the forewing length as 6-7.5 mm. Braun listed the wingspan as 16 mm.
How do you identify Helcystogramma badia - Hodges#2263?
The original description as Brachmia badia Braun, is available in the print references below.
Where is Helcystogramma badia - Hodges#2263 found?
Range: California to Utah. Holotype from Fredalba, California, August 13, collected by G. R. Pilate. ,
When is Helcystogramma badia - Hodges#2263 active?
Helcystogramma badia - Hodges#2263: seasonal activity - The adults are most common from July to August. ( 5 ).