Ypsolopha horridella
This record describes Ypsolopha horridella (species). Recorded family: Ypsolophidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 16 to 21 mm. Although this is perhaps the least attractive of the Ypsolopha species, the Latin horridella is actually derived from horridus, meaning shaggy and referring to the raised scale-tufts or crests on the dorsal part of the wings. The larvae feed on the leaves of Apple or Blackthorn in a slight web. It is distributed locally in south and south-east England as well as north Wales and north-west England. In the Butterfly Conservation’s Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as Nationally Scarce B. No additional images available for this species.
Wikipedia reference for Ypsolopha horridella: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ypsolopha_horridella.
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
Around the larval foodplants.
Seasonal Activity
The adults fly in July and August.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae feed on the leaves of Apple or Blackthorn in a slight web.
Additional species information
Recorded status
It is distributed locally in south and south-east England as well as north Wales and north-west England. In the Butterfly Conservation’s Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as Nationally Scarce B.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Ypsolopha horridella. 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 horridella (2)
Frequently Asked Questions About Ypsolopha horridella
What is Ypsolopha horridella?
Ypsolopha horridella is a species in the family Ypsolophidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Ypsolopha horridella found?
Habitat: Around the larval foodplants.
When is Ypsolopha horridella active?
Ypsolopha horridella: seasonal activity - The adults fly in July and August..
What is the life cycle of a Ypsolopha horridella?
The larvae feed on the leaves of Apple or Blackthorn in a slight web.