Parachronistis albiceps
This record describes Parachronistis albiceps (species). Recorded family: Gelechiidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 10 mm. Although this small moth is marked only in black and white it is quite a distinctive species. Where the larval foodplant Hazel is present. The adult moths fly in June and July, and are sometimes attracted to light. The larvae have not been well described, but are known to feed inside the buds of the foodplant, Hazel in late spring. The species is locally distributed in the southern half of mainland Britain, reaching northwards to Yorkshire. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as local. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera
- Family
- Gelechiidae
- Genus
- Parachronistis
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Where the larval foodplant Hazel is present.
Seasonal Activity
The adult moths fly in June and July, and are sometimes attracted to light.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae have not been well described, but are known to feed inside the buds of the foodplant, Hazel in late spring.
Additional species information
Recorded status
The species is locally distributed in the southern half of mainland Britain, reaching northwards to Yorkshire. 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 Parachronistis albiceps. 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 Parachronistis albiceps (5)
Frequently Asked Questions About Parachronistis albiceps
What is Parachronistis albiceps?
Parachronistis albiceps is a species in the family Gelechiidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Parachronistis albiceps found?
Habitat: Where the larval foodplant Hazel is present.
When is Parachronistis albiceps active?
Parachronistis albiceps: seasonal activity - The adult moths fly in June and July, and are sometimes attracted to light..
What is the life cycle of a Parachronistis albiceps?
The larvae have not been well described, but are known to feed inside the buds of the foodplant, Hazel in late spring.