Nemophora minimella

Nemophora minimella

Alternative names
Small Long-horn
Description

Wingspan about 12 mm.  A brassy bronze moth. The males have antennae almost twice the wing length; those of the females are just over one wing length. Head in males is black, in female rust coloured.

Identification difficulty
Recording advice

Because of the rarity of this species in our area, good close up photographs are required.  Please also state the type of habitat in which it was observed - were the larval foodplants present?

Habitat

In areas where Devil's-bit Scabious or Small Scabious occur.

When to see it

The adults can be found flying by day during July

Life History

The larvae feed on Devil's-bit Scabious (Succisa pratensis) and Small Scabious (Scabiosa columbaria), at first on the seeds, then later from a portable case on the lower leaves.

UK Status

Widespread in Britain, but very local in distribution.

VC55 Status

Rare in Leicestershire and Rutland.

Reference
7.005 BF145
Further Information

7.005 BF145

Leicestershire & Rutland Map

MAP KEY:

Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2025+ | 2020-2024 | pre-2020

UK Map

Additional images

All NatureSpot records