Ypsolopha alpella
This record describes Ypsolopha alpella (species). Recorded family: Ypsolophidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
It closely resembles Ypsolopha sylvella, but with generally paler ground colour and less obvious fasciae. Care has to be taken with identification. Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required. If the photo doesn't show the key ID features then in the comments box describe the size and identifying characters you have observed. The adults fly during August when they are attracted to light. The larva feeds in a slight web on the leaves of oak (Quercus) and pupates in a boat-shaped cocoon typical of the genus, amongst the bark. Mainly recorded in the southern part of England and Wales where it is local in distribution. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as local.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera
- Family
- Ypsolophidae
- Genus
- Ypsolopha
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Areas where oak is present.
Seasonal Activity
The adults fly during August when they are attracted to light.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larva feeds in a slight web on the leaves of oak (Quercus) and pupates in a boat-shaped cocoon typical of the genus, amongst the bark.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Mainly recorded in the southern part of England and Wales where it is local in distribution. 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 Ypsolopha alpella. 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 Ypsolopha alpella (5)
Frequently Asked Questions About Ypsolopha alpella
What is Ypsolopha alpella?
Ypsolopha alpella is a species in the family Ypsolophidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Ypsolopha alpella found?
Habitat: Areas where oak is present.
When is Ypsolopha alpella active?
Ypsolopha alpella: seasonal activity - The adults fly during August when they are attracted to light..
What is the life cycle of a Ypsolopha alpella?
The larva feeds in a slight web on the leaves of oak (Quercus) and pupates in a boat-shaped cocoon typical of the genus, amongst the bark.