Scythris limbella
This record describes Scythris limbella (species). Recorded family: Scythrididae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
The moths fly between June and September, possibly in two generations. In May-June and July-August, the larvae feed amongst the shoots and flowers of Goosefoot (Chenopodium) or Orache (Atriplex), in a slight web. Distributed in south-east and southern-central England, with some records from Yorkshire, this is a relatively uncommon species. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as RDB3.
Wikipedia reference for Scythris limbella: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scythris_limbella.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Gelechioidea
- Family
- Scythrididae (Flower Moths)
- Genus
- Scythris
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Where the larval foodplants occur.
Seasonal Activity
The moths fly between June and September, possibly in two generations.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
In May-June and July-August, the larvae feed amongst the shoots and flowers of Goosefoot (Chenopodium) or Orache (Atriplex), in a slight web.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Distributed in south-east and southern-central England, with some records from Yorkshire, this is a relatively uncommon species. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as RDB3.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Scythris limbella. 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 Scythris limbella (9)
Frequently Asked Questions About Scythris limbella
What is Scythris limbella?
Scythris limbella is a species in the family Scythrididae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Scythris limbella found?
Habitat: Where the larval foodplants occur.
When is Scythris limbella active?
Scythris limbella: seasonal activity - The moths fly between June and September, possibly in two generations..
What is the life cycle of a Scythris limbella?
In May-June and July-August, the larvae feed amongst the shoots and flowers of Goosefoot (Chenopodium) or Orache (Atriplex), in a slight web.