Micropterigidae

0005 (ABH1.005) Micropterix calthella, (Linnaeus, 1761)

KR00010

Earith
Earith
 Photo © David Griffiths
Earith
 Photo © David Griffiths
 pre-2000
 2000-2009
 2010-2019
 2020-onwards
 Photo © Barry Dickerson
Brampton Wood, June 2011
Brampton Wood, June 2011
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Brampton Wood, June 2011
Brampton Wood, June 2011
 Photo © Peter Bissell
Feeding on Pendulous Sedge pollen
Feeding on Pendulous Sedge pollen
 Photo © Barry Dickerson


General Information

This is a tiny moth with metallic bronzy forewings.

 

Like the other Micropterix species, this moth is unusual in having fully functional mouthparts which are used to feed on pollen.

Overwinters as Overwinters as a larva.
Flies during the day

Wingspan: 7-10 mm.
Foodplant(s): herbaceous plants (pollen)
Flying: One generation, May-June
UK Presence: Resident
National status: Common

Habitat

Woodland, fens and wet meadows.

Regional Information

Recorded in 31 (11.5%) of the 270 2km squares of Huntingdonshire.

Last recorded in June 2023

Recorded date range (Adult): 17 April to 25 June

Recorded date range (Larva/Leafmine): 22 May to 22 May

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