Ypsolopha ustella
This record describes Ypsolopha ustella (species). Recorded family: Ypsolophidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 15 to 20 mm. Exhibiting numerous colour forms, this moth is easy to confuse with some of the other members of the Ypsolopha genus. However it can often be distinguished by the narrower forewings. One of few species which can be found on the wing during the winter period. In common with several of its close relatives, the foodplant is Oak. It overwinters as an adult. Widespread in Britain. In the Butterfly Conservation’s Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as common.
Wikipedia reference for Ypsolopha ustella: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ypsolopha_ustella.
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 containing Oak.
Seasonal Activity
One of few species which can be found on the wing during the winter period.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
In common with several of its close relatives, the foodplant is Oak. It overwinters as an adult.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread in Britain. 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 ustella. 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 ustella (2)
Frequently Asked Questions About Ypsolopha ustella
What is Ypsolopha ustella?
Ypsolopha ustella is a species in the family Ypsolophidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Ypsolopha ustella found?
Habitat: Well wooded areas containing Oak.
When is Ypsolopha ustella active?
Ypsolopha ustella: seasonal activity - One of few species which can be found on the wing during the winter period..
What is the life cycle of a Ypsolopha ustella?
In common with several of its close relatives, the foodplant is Oak. It overwinters as an adult.