Argyresthia pygmaeella is a moth of the family Yponomeutidae. The species was first described by Michael Denis and Ignaz Schiffermüller in 1775 from a specimen found near Vienna, Austria
| Argyresthia pygmaeella | |
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Scientific classification 
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| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Lepidoptera |
| Family: | Argyresthiidae |
| Genus: | Argyresthia |
| Species: | A. pygmaeella
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| Binomial name | |
| Argyresthia pygmaeella (Denis & Schiffermüller, 1775)
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| Synonyms | |
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Description edit
The wingspan is 11–14 mm. Forewings are white, with golden or brown markings, while hind wings are grey. Legs and antennae are white. They fly in a single generation from May to August, depending on location.[1]
Biology edit
Eggs are laid on willows and the larvae overwinter in leaf-buds until April when they bore into a shoot, causing it to droop. They can also feed on catkins. When full grown in May or June the larvae are 11 mm long with a green body and dark-brown to black head, prothoracic and anal shields. Pupation takes place either in the feeding place or on the ground in May or June.[2]
Recorded food plants include goat willow (Salix caprea) and grey willow (Salix cinerea)[3]
Habitat edit
In North America these moths mainly live in mountainous areas, but are also present in prairies with the host plants.[1]
Distribution edit
This species can be found in Europe, northern Asia and North America.[1][2] [4]
References edit
- ^ a b c Shpeley, D. (2004). "Species Details Argyresthia pygmaeella". University of Alberta Museums. E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum. Retrieved November 8, 2020.
- ^ a b Emmet, A M (1996). Heath, John (ed.). The Moths and Butterflies of Great Britain and Ireland. Volume 3. Colchester: Harley Books. pp. 80–81. ISBN 0-946589-56-9.
- ^ Kimber, Ian. "20.013 BF412 Argyresthia pygmaeella ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775)". UKmoths. Retrieved 29 December 2019.
- ^ "Argyresthia (Argyresthia) pygmaeella (Denis & Schiffermüller, 1775)". Fauna Europaea. Retrieved 29 December 2019.
External links edit
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