Argyresthia retinella is a species of moth of the family Yponomeutidae.
Distribution These moths can be found in Europe,Fauna Europaea across the Palearctic to Japan and Ussuri.Funet They are very common in the British Isles compared to other moth species.
Habitat This species is present in deciduous forest environments where birch grows.
Description Argyresthia retinella has a wingspan of 9–10 mm. Forewings are white with subtle greyish or light brown markings, with a darker drawing on the wing tip. Hind wings are gray.UKmoths Meyrick - Head white. Forewings shining white, irregularly strigulated with dark fuscous; an indistinct fuscous subcostal suffusion anteriorly; a suffused dark fuscous spot in middle of disc, and a larger one towards apex; a black apical dot. Hindwings grey.Meyrick, E., 1895 A Handbook of British Lepidoptera MacMillan, London pdf Keys and description Heath, J. ed. 1996 The Moths and Butterflies of Great Britain and IrelandVolume 3 (Yponomeutidae to Elachistidae)
This species is rather similar to Argyresthia thuiella and Argyresthia fundella.
Biology Argyresthia retinella is a univoltine species. Adults are on the wing from June to July depending on the location. Eggs of these moths were found almost exclusively on lichens. The larvae feed on the catkins and shoots of birch (Betula species).
Bibliography Elverum, E., T.J. Johnsen & A.C. Nilssen (2003): Life history, egg cold hardiness and diapause of Argyresthia retinella (Lepidoptera: Yponomeutidae). — Norwegian Journal of Entomology 50(1): 43–53.
References
External links
Sammlung Naturhistorisches Museum Stockholm Lepiforum