Micropterigidae

01.001 Red-barred Pollen-moth Micropterix tunbergella (Fabricius, 1787)

Common

Similar species: Micropterix mansuetella has four less strongly marked straight bars and a dark head. It is uncommon in damp woods and fens.

Forewing: 3.5 to 5mm

Habitats: Woodlands, scrub and grassland.

Habits: The moth is active by day, feeding on the pollen of oaks, Sycamore and Hawthorn. It swarms around the tree tops on warm days. It occasionally comes to light.

Foodplant: The larvae feed in leaf litter and possibly on micro-fungi.