Ypsolopha parenthesella
This record describes Ypsolopha parenthesella (species). Recorded family: Ypsolophidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 16 to 20 mm. This moth exhibits a number of variations in wing pattern and colour. Flies from late July to September. A night flying species, it is often attracted to light. The larva feeds on a variety of trees, including oak and hazel. It is common throughout mainland Britain and Ireland. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as common.
Wikipedia reference for Ypsolopha parenthesella: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ypsolopha_parenthesella.
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
Well wooded areas.
Seasonal Activity
Flies from late July to September. A night flying species, it is often attracted to light.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larva feeds on a variety of trees, including oak and hazel.
Additional species information
Recorded status
It is common throughout mainland Britain and Ireland. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as common.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Ypsolopha parenthesella. 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 parenthesella (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Ypsolopha parenthesella
What is Ypsolopha parenthesella?
Ypsolopha parenthesella is a species in the family Ypsolophidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Ypsolopha parenthesella found?
Habitat: Well wooded areas.
When is Ypsolopha parenthesella active?
Ypsolopha parenthesella: seasonal activity - Flies from late July to September. A night flying species, it is often attracted to light..
What is the life cycle of a Ypsolopha parenthesella?
The larva feeds on a variety of trees, including oak and hazel.