Tortyra iocyaneus - Hodges#2653.1
Tortyra iocyaneus
This record describes Tortyra iocyaneus (species). Recorded family: Choreutidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Heppner stated Tortyra iocyaneus is a larger species than T. slossonia , with a noticeably more blue-green to violet coloration. Heppner original description in PDF.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Choreutoidea
- Family
- Choreutidae (Metalmark Moths)
- Subfamily
- Choreutinae
- Genus
- Tortyra
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Heppner reported the range in the United States restricted to the Florida Keys and southern Dade County; northern Bahamas.
Seasonal Activity
Heppner reported adults all months except November.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Heppner reported the host was unknown but likely Ficus sp.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Tortyra iocyaneus. 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 Tortyra iocyaneus - Hodges#2653.1 (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Maury J. Heiman
Frequently Asked Questions About Tortyra iocyaneus - Hodges#2653.1
What is Tortyra iocyaneus - Hodges#2653.1?
Tortyra iocyaneus - Hodges#2653.1 (Tortyra iocyaneus) is a species in the family Choreutidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
How big is Tortyra iocyaneus - Hodges#2653.1?
Heppner listed the forewing length 6-7 mm.
How do you identify Tortyra iocyaneus - Hodges#2653.1?
Heppner stated Tortyra iocyaneus is a larger species than T. slossonia , with a noticeably more blue-green to violet coloration. Heppner original description in PDF.
Where is Tortyra iocyaneus - Hodges#2653.1 found?
Range: Heppner reported the range in the United States restricted to the Florida Keys and southern Dade County; northern Bahamas.
What does Tortyra iocyaneus - Hodges#2653.1 eat?
The diet of the Tortyra iocyaneus - Hodges#2653.1 includes Heppner reported the host was unknown but likely Ficus sp..
When is Tortyra iocyaneus - Hodges#2653.1 active?
Tortyra iocyaneus - Hodges#2653.1: seasonal activity - Heppner reported adults all months except November..