Wingspan 18-23 mm. Part of a difficult species group.  It is necessary to examine the genitalia structure to be certain of identification. When this detailed examination has not taken place records should be submitted as Epiblema scutulana agg.

Epiblema cirsiana and Epiblema sticticana

Part of a difficult species group.  It is necessary to examine the genitalia structure to be certain of identification. When this detailed examination has not taken place records should be submitted as Epiblema scutulana agg.

Occupying rough ground and meadows; it can be seen resting on the foodplant by day.

The species flies in May and June.

The larvae feed on Spear Thistle and Musk Thistle, living in the stems and roots.

It is fairly common throughout the British Isles. In the Butterfly Conservation’s Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as common.

Fairly frequent but not common in Leicestershire & Rutland. L&R Moth Group status = B (scarce resident or restricted distribution or regular migrant but genitalia examination needed for secure identification)