شناسایی Moths

afsoon6282

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• Nov 10, 2009

• #61

Chilo phragmitellus

Chilo phragmitellus

Chilo phragmitellus

Subfamily: Grass Moths (Crambinae)

Chilo phragmitellus is a curiously shaped Grass Moth and the biggest of them all. This also makes it one of the easiest to identify. Males and females however are different. Males are darker. Their wings are much broader and less pointed. Their hind wing is brownish or yellowish white. They'll reach a wingspan of 24 to 32 mm. This makes them rather big for Grass Moths, but they remain still small compared to the females, which may reach a wingspan of up to 40 mm. The forewings of the females are narrower and longer than those of the males. The hind wing is pure white in females. Chilo phragmitellus is single-brooded and on the wing in June and July. It flies after dark only. Females are good flyers and may be encountered far from the breeding grounds. Males fly less well and stay close to the breeding grounds. The larvae live in the stem and root of common reed, thus making reed beds the main breeding grounds of this species. Chilo phragmitellus is not uncommon in reed beds in Wales and England.

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afsoon6282

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• Nov 10, 2009

• #62

Small China Mark, male Cataclysta lemnata

Small China Mark, male Cataclysta lemnata

Small China Mark, male Cataclysta lemnata

Subfamily: China-marks (Nymphulinae)

This is yet another species of which the caterpillar lives under the surface of the water: the Small China Mark. Males and females differ extremely. Males are small (wingspan up to 15 mm) and almost entirely white (top picture). Females are much bigger (wingspan up to 24 mm) and brownish (bottom picture). The larvae eat Duck-weed and Water-lily. The species is on the wing from May to October and can be seen all over the British Isles.

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afsoon6282

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• Nov 10, 2009

• #63

Small China Mark, female Cataclysta lemnata

Small China Mark, female Cataclysta lemnata

Small China Mark, female Cataclysta lemnata

Subfamily: China-marks (Nymphulinae)

This is yet another species of which the caterpillar lives under the surface of the water: the Small China Mark. Males and females differ extremely. Males are small (wingspan up to 15 mm) and almost entirely white (top picture). Females are much bigger (wingspan up to 24 mm) and brownish (bottom picture). The larvae eat Duck-weed and Water-lily. The species is on the wing from May to October and can be seen all over the British Isles.

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afsoon6282

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• Nov 10, 2009

• #64

Beautiful China-mark Nymphula stagnata

Beautiful China-mark Nymphula stagnata

Beautiful China-mark Nymphula stagnata

Subfamily: China-marks (Nymphulinae)

This is the Beautiful China-mark. The moth is beautiful indeed and , having a wingspan of up to 25 mm., is one of the slightly bigger members of the Pyralid family. The size of all the China-marks makes you wonder why Pyralids are considered being micros. Yet the caterpillar is more interesting than the adult is, for it lives submerged. There it bites off little pieces of plants. These are woven together to form a cocoon. Inside some air is trapped for the caterpillar to breath. Once adult the Beautiful China-mark is often attracted bij light in the evening. The adults fly in July and August. Common species in England, Ireland, Wales and Southern Scotland.

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afsoon6282

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• Nov 10, 2009

• #65

Ringed China Mark male Parapoynx stratiotata

Ringed China Mark male Parapoynx stratiotata

Ringed China Mark male Parapoynx stratiotata

Subfamily: China-marks (Nymphulinae)

Another China Mark turning up in our garden is the Ringed China Mark. The males are quite white with a small spot resembling a ring. its caterpillar eats various water plants and is even more adapted to living submerged: it has gills, allowing the animal to take oxygen straight from the water. It too visits gardens regularly, especially when a pond is present. The females of the Ringed China Mark are very difficult to identify. Not only are there virtually no markings on the wings, they are also very variable when it comes to colour: from almost white to almost black! Just look at the bottom three pictures. In spite of the various colours they belong to the same species. Males are much smaller than females. Males hardly reach a wingspan of 23 mm, while females usually reach a wingspan of some 30 mm. Males are more beautiful though, as can be seen in the top three pictures. This is a local species in Southern parts of England, a rarity in Northern England and not found in Wales and Scotland. In Ireland however this is a common and often abundant species.

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afsoon6282

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• Nov 10, 2009

• #66

Ringed China Mark female Parapoynx stratiotata

Ringed China Mark female Parapoynx stratiotata

Ringed China Mark female Parapoynx stratiotata

Subfamily: China-marks (Nymphulinae)

Another China Mark turning up in our garden is the Ringed China Mark. The males are quite white with a small spot resembling a ring. its caterpillar eats various water plants and is even more adapted to living submerged: it has gills, allowing the animal to take oxygen straight from the water. It too visits gardens regularly, especially when a pond is present. The females of the Ringed China Mark are very difficult to identify. Not only are there virtually no markings on the wings, they are also very variable when it comes to colour: from almost white to almost black! Just look at the bottom three pictures. In spite of the various colours they belong to the same species. Males are much smaller than females. Males hardly reach a wingspan of 23 mm, while females usually reach a wingspan of some 30 mm. Males are more beautiful though, as can be seen in the top three pictures. This is a local species in Southern parts of England, a rarity in Northern England and not found in Wales and Scotland. In Ireland however this is a common and often abundant species.

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afsoon6282

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• Nov 10, 2009

• #67

Brown China Mark Elophila nymphaeata

Brown China Mark Elophila nymphaeata

Brown China Mark Elophila nymphaeata

Subfamily: China-marks (Nymphulinae)

There are more moths called China Marks in English. One of them is the Brown China Mark, depicted here. Reaching a wingspan of some 33 mm a rather big species. Its caterpillar lives under water as well, mainly on pondweed. In Britain it is on the wing mainly from late June to August, on the continent it starts flying in May and can be seen until the beginning of October. Common all over the British Isles, but only in places where the food plant can be found. It regularly appears in garden ponds, so it is often seen in gardens.

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afsoon6282

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• Nov 10, 2009

• #68

Evergestis pallidata

Evergestis pallidata

Evergestis pallidata

Subfamily: Evergestinae


Here is another rather big species, which reaches a wingspan of 24 to 29 mm. The broad wings make it look like a small Geometer. Sometimes seen during day time, for it readily flees from its resting place. Regularly seen in the evening when it is attracted to light. Flies in July and August mainly. The larvae feed on Cruciferae. In the wild they prefer Winter-cress, but cultivars in gardens are also used to feed on. Locally a common species in England and and Ireland and in southern and western parts of Scotland. Also found in Northern America, where it is called the Purple-backed Cabbageworm. In Britain Evergestis pallidata apparently does not have a common name.

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afsoon6282

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• Nov 10, 2009

• #69

Brown Grey Scoparia ambigualis

Brown Grey Scoparia ambigualis

Brown Grey Scoparia ambigualis

Subfamily: Scopariinae

Below to the left the Brown Grey. The adults of this species fly from May to July and the larvae supposingly feed on mosses. Wingspan: up to 22 mm in this and most of the similar species. Be very careful when recording them. There are some 14 species of Scopariinae and some are very hard to tell apart! The Brown Grey is extremely similar to Eudonia truncicolella and Scoparia ambigualis. Characteristics for the three species are as follows:

The black spot resembling an x, usually looks like an x in the Brown Grey and Eudonia truncicolella. However in Dipleurina lacustrata it does look more like a c. The wings of Scoparia ambigualis are broader than those of the other two species. The dark line just in front of of the white is best developed in Dipleurina lacustrata, less so in the Brown Grey and least in Eudonia truncicolella. Eudonia truncicolella is rather black and white lacking brownish tones so visible in the Brown Grey. Eudonia truncicolella and Dipleurina lacustrata don't fly in May and the first half of June, the Brown Grey however does.
Do keep in mind though that you can never be sure, for especially Scoparia ambigualis is very variable. The only way to tell them apart for sure is by examining the genitals. And when you are a beginner do take good pictures and present them to experienced microlepidopterists, or on a good forum on the internet.

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afsoon6282

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• Nov 10, 2009

• #70

Eudonia truncicolella

Eudonia truncicolella

Eudonia truncicolella

Subfamily: Scopariinae

Eudonia truncicolella is very hard to tell apart from various related Pyralids, all small, black and white and similarly marked. There are even more species just like these, but they are rare or even very rare. Characteristics for the three species are as follows:

The black spot resembling an x, usually looks like an x, just like it does in Scoparia ambigualis. However in Dipleurina lacustrata it does look more like a c. The wings of Scoparia ambigualis are broader than those of the other two species. The dark line just in front of of the white is best developed in D. lacustrata, less so in Scoparia ambigualis and least in Dipleurina lacustrata.Compared to Scoparia ambigualis Eudonia truncicolella is rather black and white lacking brownish tones so visible in Scoparia ambigualis. Eudonia truncicolella doesn't fly in May and the first half of June, Scoparia ambigualis however does.
Do keep in mind though that you can never be sure, for especially Scoparia ambigualis is very variable. The only way to tell them apart for sure is by examining the genitals. And when you are a beginner do take good pictures and present them to experienced microlepidopterists.

Eudonia truncicolella flies in July and August and the larvae can be found on various species of mosses. They live in a silken tube. The wingspan of Eudonia truncicolella varies from 18 to 23 mm. It's locally common on mainland Britain and in Ireland.

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afsoon6282

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• Nov 10, 2009

• #71

Dipleurina lacustrata

Dipleurina lacustrata

Dipleurina lacustrata

Subfamily: Scopariinae

Dipleurina lacustrata is widely distributed all over England, Wales and Ireland and is also found in southern parts of Scotland. In the Benelux the species is not very common, though. It is a very small species, having a wingspan of up to 18 mm only. The larvae feed on mosses and lychens, usually those growing on tree trunks, rocks and walls. The species flies about in June and July mainly. It is extremely similar to some other species, including Eudonia truncicolella and Scoparia ambigualis. Characteristics for the three species are as follows:

The black spot resembling an x, usually looks like an x in Scoparia ambigualis and Eudonia truncicolella. However in Dipleurina lacustrata it does look more like a c. The wings of Scoparia ambigualis are broader than those of the other two species. The dark line just in front of of the white is best developed in Dipleurina lacustrata, less so in Scoparia ambigualis and least in Eudonia truncicolella. Eudonia truncicolella is rather black and white lacking brownish tones so visible in Scoparia ambigualis. Eudonia truncicolella and Dipleurina lacustrata don't fly in May and the first half of June, Scoparia ambigualis however does.
Do keep in mind though that you can never be sure, for especially Scoparia ambigualis is very variable. The only way to tell them apart for sure is by examining the genitals. And when you are a beginner do take good pictures and present them to experienced microlepidopterists, or on a good forum on the internet.

Dipleurina lacustrata is also known as Dipleurina crataegella and Dipleurina centurionalis,

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afsoon6282

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• Nov 10, 2009

• #72

Dioryctria sylvestrella

Dioryctria sylvestrella

Dioryctria sylvestrella

Subfamily: Phycitinae

The situation in the Dioryctria genus is very confused. It consists of a number of very similar species in Europe and Northern America. It is still unclear how many species there are. In Britain three species definitely belong: D. abietella, D. mutatella and D. schuetzeella. The species shown here therefore is not a British species, but it is very similar to the British species indeed. The larvae of most species are associated with pines. The caterpillars are regularly found in the cones of pines and Norway Spruce. Even the wingspan of most species is about the same and runs from some 25 to some 30 mm. On the wing from mid-summer to late autumn.

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afsoon6282

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• Nov 10, 2009

• #73

Spruce Coneworm Moth Dioryctria abietella

Spruce Coneworm Moth Dioryctria abietella

Spruce Coneworm Moth Dioryctria abietella

Subfamily: Phycitinae

It is not very easy identifying the Spruce Coneworm Moth. The genus it belongs to, Dioryctria, is comprised of a number of species, but as it turns out nobody seems to know exactly how many species there are. Scientists regularly claim to have found new species within this genus, but on the other hand they are also regularly making formerly separate species into one. The matter is so complicated, because even under a microscope the genitals of many species are almost identical. The Spruce Coneworm Moth is similar to the previous species, but it is more lively marked. Especially the striking white zigzag line makes it stand out. Alas, the extremely similar Dioryctria simplicella has the same kind of zigzag line. So, these species are very hard to tell apart. They are even the same size (some 25 to 30mm). Sometimes species much larger than this are seen. Funny thing is that these very big species tend to fly during the day.

The eggs are being laid in summer and the caterpillars feed on pine cones and pine apples. In late autumn the caterpillars are full grown. They fall from the tree to the ground. Then they weave a little web in low vegetation just above the ground. In the web they make a cocon and in it they overwinter.

It is thought the Spruce Coneworm Moth may have two breeds in one year. The first is seen in June and the second from July. On the continent they often appear from June to September and ii is uncertain whether there's only one extended breed or there are two overlapping generations. This species is attracted to light. Common all over England, Wales, Ireland and Sothern Scotland, however usually a rather local species. Common in Europe, most of temperate Asia and Northern America.

This species is also known as the Pine Knothorn Moth.

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afsoon6282

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• Nov 10, 2009

• #74

Acrobasis consociella

Acrobasis consociella

Acrobasis consociella

Subfamily: Phycitinae

Acrobasis consociella is a tough one to identify. At first glance it does remind one of Leaf-rolling Moths (Tortrixes). So I went through my books about Tortrixes a few times, but in vain... Now, even the animal itself may be confused about being a Pyralid and not a Tortricid, for the larvae live on oak in leaves which they spin together... Reaching a wingspan of some 19 to 22 mm Acrobasis consociella is a small species on the wing in July and August. From time to time a 2nd generation is produced in October. The adults fly from dusk onwards and are attracted to light. When disturbed during the day it will fall to the ground, pretending to be dead, rather than flying away. Acrobasis consociella is a fairly common species in oakwoods in England, Ireland, Wales and Southern Scotland.

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afsoon6282

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• Nov 10, 2009

• #75

Porphyry Knothorn Moth Trachycera suavella

Porphyry Knothorn Moth Trachycera suavella

Porphyry Knothorn Moth Trachycera suavella

Subfamily: Phycitinae

At first sight and to the ***** eye the Porphyry Knothorn Moth doesn't look very exciting. But as soon as you take out your magnifying glass or take a good close up picture this judgement changes. It turns out to be a very attractive dark silvery grey or sometimes even quite silvery moth. Also visible are some small whitish indented lines and a lot of red accents. It is quite similar to Trachycera marmorea, but usually darker and definitely bigger. However both species are very variable and hard to describe effectively. The wingspan of the Porphyry Knothorn Moth varies from 23 to 26mm.

The larvae become active in spring and eat the new shoots of the host plant. They weave galleries along the stem of the plant and young sprouts and eat from within these webs. In June they'll pupate in greyish cocoons made within the galleries or attached to them. The host plants are blackthorn mainly, but in gardens it often effects Cotoneaster.

The Porphyry Knothorn Moth flies in July and August. It is active during the night only, but comes to light. The species prefers sandy soils and occurs widespread in Southern England, but always is a rather local species. The same applies to the continent. It doesn't like the colder northern areas of the continent.

This species is still better known by its previous scientific name Numonia suavella.

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afsoon6282

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• Nov 10, 2009

• #76

Phycita roborella

Phycita roborella

Phycita roborella

Subfamily: Phycitinae

We hardly ever show pictures on our website in which animals are dead. But in the case of Phycta roborella we make an exception. The animal in the pictures clearly has a sinuation at the base of the antennae. This is not unusual in some groups of moths. In the case of Pyralid Moths these are regularly found in males of species belonging to the Phycitinae subfamily. We don't know what purpose these sinuations have. As they appear in males only, it must have something to do with the animal's love life. The thing is a sinuation of the antenna with growing on it a bunch of very big scales. The moth itself is easy to identify because of the nice arrangement of black, grey and red patches all over the wings. However, this is a variable species. In quite some animals black is predominant and some of these darker moths are very hard to identify indeed. Reaching a wingspan of 24 to 30mm this is quite a large micromoth.

The egg hatches in September and the caterpillar eats to the end of September or the beginning of November. Then it spins together a couple of leaves and between them it overwinters. After overwintering it continues feeding to the end of May. It then pupates in the ground, among leaf litter or under loose bark. In June the first adults moths will appear. Even though the caterpillars of Phycita roborella are occasionally found on apple and pear, their usual food source is the oak.

This species is on the wing for a very long time: from June to the beginning of October. The greatest number however flies about in July and August. Phycita roborella is active during the night only, but comes to light easily and also freely to sugar and flowers. You have to take pictures on location, for this species doesn't like to be disturbed at all. A species of light soils, widely spread and quite common in most of England and the south of Ireland.

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afsoon6282

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• Nov 10, 2009

• #77

Indian Meal Moth Plodia interpunctella

Indian Meal Moth Plodia interpunctella

Indian Meal Moth Plodia interpunctella

Subfamily: Phycitinae

The Indian Meal Moth is not an original European species. It's origin is in Asia, but it has been transported to Europe trading spices. In Europe it rapidly became a serious pest in stored food. It is capable of surviving in European nature as well. The moths are very variable and may look more reddish, yellowish or blackish compared to the one in the picture. Reaching a wingspan of 14 to 20 mm, this is not a particular big species. The caterpillars will eat almost everything: dried fruit and herbs, grain and meal, nuts and even dried up dead insects. They spin small silken webs over their food. Everything gets trapped in there, such as debrish and frass. When the animal appears stored food will soon look extremely ugly and is worthless. Depending on the food the larvae may pupate in just two weeks, but their development may also take two years. Quite a common species in Britain, often appearing indoors.

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afsoon6282

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• Nov 10, 2009

• #78

Bee Moth Aphomia sociella

Bee Moth Aphomia sociella

Bee Moth Aphomia sociella

Subfamily: Wax Moths (Galleriinae)

There is a remarkable difference between Bee Moth males and females. The female is bigger, mostly brownish and shows three clear bandings on the front wing, separated by a sharp zig zag line. There is a big black point in the middle band, the so-called discal spot. The hind wing is almost entirely lightbrown. The male is smaller and more contrasting. The first part of the wing is white with a brownish impression. The rest of the wing is brownish, dark first, but getting lighter towards the top of the wing. The zig zags are only partially visible and the wing is not clearly divided into three bands. The hindwing is whitish brown and much lighter than the female's. The males are easy to identify, for there are no similar species. Females are slightly more complicated to identify. The wingspan is some 25 to 33 mm for the male and some 30 to 38 mm for the female. All animals in the pictures on this page are males. Except for the animal in the bottom picture, which is a female.

The eggs are being laid in summer and hatch quickly. The larvae may continue to feed until pupation time in spring. The caterpillars live in the nests of bumblebees and social wasps mainly. It rarely lives in bee hives. After hatching the larvae feed in debris within the nest. But when that finishes they'll be eating the comb. And they'll not stop there, for they'll eat the bee or wasp larvae as well. This makes them rather unique, for most moth larvae are strict vegetarians. To move through the nest unattacked they'll spin a kind of tunnels running all through the nest. If a nest gets contaminated by the Bee Moth it will be completely destroyed in the end. The larvae are yellowish white, with vague yellowish markings on top en very small, black spiracula. They make a maggot like impression and reach a length of some 13 mm.

The Bee Moth is on the wing in June, July and August. It flies by night only and is regularly attracted by light. This is uncommon in wax moths, for most species are not lured to light. By day it rests in low vegetation and can be found on walls, fences or tree trunks from time to time. In such a case photographing the animal is easy, for it is not quickly disturbed at all.

The Bee Moth is a member of a small subfamily of the Pyralids called the Wax Moths (Galleriinae). A number of species within this family lives on wax, hence the name. The Bee Moth is found in nests, usually above the ground, of bumble bees and social wasps. It is not keen on bee hives. But two of its relatives are: the Wax Moth and the Lesser Wax Moth. Both are feared by bee keepers, especially the Lesser Wax Moth.

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afsoon6282

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• Nov 10, 2009

• #79

Weird-winged Moths (various families)

Weird-winged Moths (various families)

Weird-winged Moths (various families)

In gardens we will see a couple of moths not looking like moths at all. This is usually due to the wings, which are either transparent or divided into small segments. Even though these moths families are not closely related, we'll deal with them on this page, as they are easily recognized as weird-wings. Only problem might be, recognizing these are moths rather than wasps or crane flies. The clearwings are quite well known imitators of dangerous wasps and have transparent wings. Plume moths have wings consisting os five or more parts each. Plume Moths are capable of putting the parts over one another, thus creating a very small wing. Even though Many-Plume Moths have the same wing construction, they are unable putting their parts on top of eachother. They show all parts constantly. On this page you will encounter three families: Clearwings, Many-plume Moths and Plume Moths.


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afsoon6282

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• Nov 10, 2009

• #80

Yellow-legged Clearwing, male Synanthedon vespiformis

Yellow-legged Clearwing, male Synanthedon vespiformis

Yellow-legged Clearwing, male Synanthedon vespiformis

Family: Clearwings (Sesiidae)

Some moths don't look like moths or butterflies at all. The clearwings are good examples of that. They imitate wasps and other dangerous insects. If you want to fool other animals into believing that you are dangerous, your wings shouldn't resemble those of moths of course. So their wings are not covered by scales as in most moths, making the look like anything but the moths they are. Look at the long tongue for instance. It can be rolled up: the instrument is typical for butterflies and moths and not for wasps! This immitation of wasps does the trick in day time only of course. All clearwings therefore fly with daylight. Clearwings are rather small, fast flying moths that are overlooked by most people. The Yellow-legged Clearwing regularly visits our garden. It is not a very common species. In Britain it can be found in the South only. Rare in Northern Europe and not very common in Central Europe. The larvae of the Yellow-legged Clearwing live under the bark of oak and occasionally other trees for two years. Can also be found in tree stumps. The wingspan is about 22 mm. Males have a black tail, in females the tail is yellow. Scientifically also referred to as Aegeria vespiformis.

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afsoon6282

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• Nov 10, 2009

• #81

Yellow-legged Clearwing, female Synanthedon vespiformis

Yellow-legged Clearwing, female Synanthedon vespiformis

Yellow-legged Clearwing, female Synanthedon vespiformis

Family: Clearwings (Sesiidae)

Some moths don't look like moths or butterflies at all. The clearwings are good examples of that. They imitate wasps and other dangerous insects. If you want to fool other animals into believing that you are dangerous, your wings shouldn't resemble those of moths of course. So their wings are not covered by scales as in most moths, making the look like anything but the moths they are. Look at the long tongue for instance. It can be rolled up: the instrument is typical for butterflies and moths and not for wasps! This immitation of wasps does the trick in day time only of course. All clearwings therefore fly with daylight. Clearwings are rather small, fast flying moths that are overlooked by most people. The Yellow-legged Clearwing regularly visits our garden. It is not a very common species. In Britain it can be found in the South only. Rare in Northern Europe and not very common in Central Europe. The larvae of the Yellow-legged Clearwing live under the bark of oak and occasionally other trees for two years. Can also be found in tree stumps. The wingspan is about 22 mm. Males have a black tail, in females the tail is yellow. Scientifically also referred to as Aegeria vespiformis.

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afsoon6282

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• Nov 10, 2009

• #82

Currant Borer Synanthedon tipuliformis

Currant Borer Synanthedon tipuliformis

Currant Borer Synanthedon tipuliformis

Family: Clearwings (Sesiidae)


In our garden the Currant Clearwing, also known as Currant Borer is rather common. The animal is common in England and Wales as well. It is spread all over the world as the caterpillar lives in the stem of red and black currants and has thus being introduced all over the planet. As it is well protected inside the stem, it is the larva that overwinters. Compared to the rather similar Yellow-legged Clearwing above it is slightly smaller, not as robust and the colouring is weaker. The legs of the Currant Borer are not entirely yellow, but show black rings. The maximum wingspan is around 20 mm.

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afsoon6282

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• Nov 10, 2009

• #83

Twenty-plume Moth Alucita hexadactyla

Twenty-plume Moth Alucita hexadactyla

Twenty-plume Moth Alucita hexadactyla

Family: Many-plumed Moths, aka Blossom Moths (Alucitidae)

Many-plumed moths have their wings divided into as much as 6 segments each. In the picture they look very attractive, but they are very small indeed. This is a very small family of moths, containing only some 130 species world wide. The one below is the only representative in both the UK and Northern America and is a very common species indeed. The larvae live of Honeysuckle blossoms mainly. In the Benelux a second species does live, but it is quite rare.

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afsoon6282

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• Nov 10, 2009

• #84

White Plume Moth Pterophorus pentadactyla

White Plume Moth Pterophorus pentadactyla

White Plume Moth Pterophorus pentadactyla

Family: Plume Moths (Pterophoridae)

Plume moths often look like large mosquitoes or crane flies. To mimic other species, plume moths had to find a way to disguise their wings. To achieve this effect their wings are divided into small segments. These segments can be put one on top of the other. In this way the wing looks like a small one, but by unfolding it the plume moth flies just like any other moth. Most common in the Benelux and Britain is this White Plume Moth. Even in rest the wings are rolled up rather carelessly and usually one can easily see the segments, usually called 'fingers'. It is a rather big micro, for it may reach a wingspan of some 36 mm. The caterpillars feed and overwinter exclusively on bindweed. Of all plume moths the Wite Plume Moth is seen most often, for its size and because it is often attracted by light.

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afsoon6282

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• Nov 10, 2009

• #85

Pterophorus galactodactyla

Pterophorus galactodactyla

Pterophorus galactodactyla

Family: Plume Moths (Pterophoridae)



Pterophorus galactodactyla is another white species. It looks like the White Plume Moth a lot, but is considerably smaller (wingspan 20 to 25 mm only), has dark spots on the wings and a small brown line on the back. It is on the wing in June and July and is active in daylight as well as at dusk. The larvae are found on Burdock (Arctium spp) exclusively. In the UK only known from the brecklands of East Anglia, in Holland known from the dunes only. Is on the German red list. This is why we report the presence of Pterophorus galactodactyla in our garden tentative only. Most of the alternatives are very uncommon species too, though.

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afsoon6282

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• Nov 10, 2009

• #86

Amblyptilia acanthadactyla

Amblyptilia acanthadactyla

Amblyptilia acanthadactyla

Family: Plume Moths (Pterophoridae)

Not all Plume moths are white. Amblyptilia acanthadactyla is a brownish species to be found all over Britain and Ireland, but never encountered in great numbers. It is on the wing in February and March, when adults that have been overwintering deposit their eggs. Then there is a second generation in July and August, which doesn't overwinter. The third generation appears from september onwards and does overwinter, thus becoming next years first generation. The larvae live on various plants including heather species. Reaching a wingspan of no more than 20 mm Amblyptilia acanthadactyla is a small species indeed!

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afsoon6282

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• Nov 10, 2009

• #87

Stenoptilia pterodactyla

Stenoptilia pterodactyla

Stenoptilia pterodactyla

Family: Plume Moths (Pterophoridae)

This species most probably is Stenoptilia pterodactyla, which appeared in our garden in March 2004. Like many other Plume Moths it overwinters being adult. The larvae can be found on Speedwell exclusively. The rather non descript adults reach a wingspan of up to some 28 mm. The colour of the wings is quite variable and may be yellowish, brownish or greyish. Stenoptilia pterodactyla is a very common species all over Britain and Ireland.

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afsoon6282

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• Nov 10, 2009

• #88

Adaina microdactyla

Adaina microdactyla

Adaina microdactyla

Family: Plume Moths (Pterophoridae)

Adaina microdactyla is the smallest Plume Moth we have in Britain. The wings may be lighter than in the one depicted here. The spots may also be larger or smaller, but they are more or less in the same place. There usually is a striking contrast between the colour of the wings and that of the body. Many similar species have a much darker body and together with the spots in the wing, it is a good characteristic of this species. The wingspan is just some 13 to 18mm.

The larvae appear almost all year round. They live in the stem of the foodplant, sometimes forming a gall. The caterpillars of Adaina microdactyla look like many others living in a plant's stem: yellowish white with an ochre head. The larvae probably overwinter within the stem. They'll reach a length of some 6mm. The only known foodplant is Hemp Agrimony (Eupatorium cannabinum).

Adaina microdactyla is on the wing in two generations. The first flying about in May and June and the second on the wing in August. Seen flying by day, the adults are often found in rather thick vegetation, such as ivy. Is sometimes attracted to light and can be obtained this way easily. Rather difficult to photograph as it has a tendency of flying away. Relatively common in the South of England. Become scarcer northwards and is only found in the south of Scotland. Scarce in Ireland. Common on the continent, but very rare or missing in the northern parts of the continent.

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afsoon6282

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• Nov 12, 2009

• #89

Tortrixes (Tortricidae)

Tortrixes (Tortricidae)

Tortrixes (Tortricidae)

Tortrixes is a family of small moths comprised of some 400 members in the UK. Resting, most species hold their wings like a roof. In this way they look like very small Owlet Moths. Most species have a wingspan between 10 and 20 mm only. The caterpillar often rolls up a leaf and lives a sheltered life inside. Because of this behaviour they are also referred to as Leaf-rolling Moths, especially in the USA. Not all caterpillars roll up leaves though. Some mine leaves in the early stages of life, others bore into stems of plants or leaves. Some species are very difficult to tell apart, but most can be identified, especially when slightly enlarged. There are many very beautiful species among them.
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afsoon6282

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مدیر تالار

• Nov 12, 2009

• #90

Poplar Shoot Borer (Gypsonoma aceriana)

Poplar Shoot Borer (Gypsonoma aceriana)

Poplar Shoot Borer (Gypsonoma aceriana)

It is a nasty business trying to identify the Poplar Shoot Borer. The first part of the wings is darkened, the later part is whitish. Within the white part are some smears and markings, but none of them is very distinct. And that's the best way identifying this species. Almost all similar, bird droppings imitators, usually have one or more distinct features. The Poplar Shoot Borer is the exception. Also note the greyish face, for it may help you identifying this one. Always try consulting a specialist, for chances are you're wrong! Adult moths have a wingspan from 12 to 15mm.

The eggs are being deposited in summer. The small caterpillars bore into twigs of the foodplant. When growing, the caterpillars move on to fresh shoots. These don't develop well and often galls appear. Usually damage done isn't very great, but when appearing in great numbers, the moth may infest up to 90% of all shoots, causing considerable damage. Like the name implies the Poplar Shoot Borer is only found on a number of Poplars, including some garden varieties.

The Poplar Shoot Borer flies by night only. It is on the wing in July mainly. This period is much longer on the continent, though. Is attracted to light in small numbers. May not have been identified correctly all the time. A rather common species over much of Europe and the United States, where it was introduced unintentionally. In Britain only common in southern parts of England and Wales. Elsewhere rare, getting even rarer going north. Nearly unknown from Ireland and Scotland.

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