Denticucullus pygmina (Haworth, 1809)

Description: Wingspan 23-29 mm. Forewing colour ranges from pale straw to reddish brown. There is a small darker stripe that extends from the basal area of the forewing to the termen. Antemedian and postmedian lines are inconspicuous. Hindwings vary from pale straw to light fuscous in the redder individuals, becoming lighter towards the basal area.

Key Identification Features:

• Small size
• Small fine dark stripe running from the base to the termen of the forewing
• Pale hindwings

Sets:

Flight Period: Mid-July to early October.

Status: Widespread and generally common across all counties including Rathlin Island, Antrim.

Ecology: A small moth found commonly in wetland habitats including damp woodland, fens and other marshy areas. Adults come to light in small numbers but do not visit flowers. It overwinters as an egg.

World Distribution: Eurasiatic; widespread Europe in suitable habitat, ranging from northern Spain, through Portugal as far north as Finland.

Bradley & Fletcher number: 2350 Agassiz number: 73.144

Additional information:

UK Moths account

Caterpillar: