LepidopteraGracillariidae – Leaf Blotch Miner Moths

Phyllonorycter bataviella - Hodges#0739

Phyllonorycter bataviella

This record describes Phyllonorycter bataviella (species). Recorded family: Gracillariidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.

Identification and Appearance

Phyllonorycter bataviella - Hodges#0739 - Phyllonorycter bataviella
Contributed by Maury J. Heiman

Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Insecta
Order
Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
Superfamily
Gracillarioidea
Family
Gracillariidae (Leaf Blotch Miner Moths)
Subfamily
Lithocolletinae
Genus
Phyllonorycter

Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.

Habitat and Range

Geographic Range

Northeastern United States and Canada.

Seasonal Activity

Most records are from April through August.

Diet and Behavior

Diet: Larval host is Quercus (oak)

Life History

Leaf miner

About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group

Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Phyllonorycter bataviella. 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.

Explore Lepidoptera families and species →

Frequently Asked Questions About Phyllonorycter bataviella - Hodges#0739

How big is Phyllonorycter bataviella - Hodges#0739?

Wingspan 8.5 mm.

Where is Phyllonorycter bataviella - Hodges#0739 found?

Range: Northeastern United States and Canada.

What does Phyllonorycter bataviella - Hodges#0739 eat?

The diet of the Phyllonorycter bataviella - Hodges#0739 includes Larval host is Quercus (oak).

When is Phyllonorycter bataviella - Hodges#0739 active?

Phyllonorycter bataviella - Hodges#0739: seasonal activity - Most records are from April through August..

What is the life cycle of a Phyllonorycter bataviella - Hodges#0739?

Leaf miner

How we use and review source data. Source count does not imply independent verification.

Photo credits: Contributed by Maury J. Heiman. Contributors retain copyright over their individual contributions.