Ypsolopha vittella
This record describes Ypsolopha vittella (species). Recorded family: Ypsolophidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 16 to 20 mm. The appearance of the adult can vary, with some showing rather more blackish suffusion on the dorsal region. A photograph is required to support records for this species. This species inhabits woodland and copses. The larvae feed on the leaves and flowers of Elm or Beech, living in a slight silken web. Widespread but local in Britain. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as local. No additional images available for this species.
Wikipedia reference for Ypsolopha vittella: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ypsolopha_vittella.
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
This species inhabits woodland and copses.
Seasonal Activity
It flies in July and August.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae feed on the leaves and flowers of Elm or Beech, living in a slight silken web.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread but local in Britain. 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 vittella. 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 vittella (2)
Frequently Asked Questions About Ypsolopha vittella
What is Ypsolopha vittella?
Ypsolopha vittella is a species in the family Ypsolophidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Ypsolopha vittella found?
Habitat: This species inhabits woodland and copses.
When is Ypsolopha vittella active?
Ypsolopha vittella: seasonal activity - It flies in July and August..
What is the life cycle of a Ypsolopha vittella?
The larvae feed on the leaves and flowers of Elm or Beech, living in a slight silken web.