Hypatima rhomboidella
This record describes Hypatima rhomboidella (species). Recorded family: Gelechiidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 18 mm. The scientific name of this distinctive moth is derived from the rhomboid-shaped brownish blotch on the forewing. At rest, the wings are closely folded at the tip, giving a tapered appearance. Well wooded areas containing the larval foodplants. It flies at night between late July and September, and can be attracted by light. The larval foodplants are Birch and Hazel. Widespread and fairly frequent in Britain. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as common. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera
- Family
- Gelechiidae
- Genus
- Hypatima
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Well wooded areas containing the larval foodplants.
Seasonal Activity
It flies at night between late July and September, and can be attracted by light.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larval foodplants are Birch and Hazel.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread and fairly frequent in Britain. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as common.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Hypatima rhomboidella. 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 Hypatima rhomboidella (4)
Frequently Asked Questions About Hypatima rhomboidella
What is Hypatima rhomboidella?
Hypatima rhomboidella is a species in the family Gelechiidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Hypatima rhomboidella found?
Habitat: Well wooded areas containing the larval foodplants.
When is Hypatima rhomboidella active?
Hypatima rhomboidella: seasonal activity - It flies at night between late July and September, and can be attracted by light..
What is the life cycle of a Hypatima rhomboidella?
The larval foodplants are Birch and Hazel.