Adelidae

07.003 Copper-tip Longhorn Nemophora cupriacella (Hübner, [1819])

Notable B

Similar species:

Forewing: 5.5 to 7.5mm

Habitats: Dry pastures, downland, damp woodland rides and clearings.

Habits: The moth is parthenogenic. Only the females are found in Britain and Ireland. It rests on the heads of scabious and flies in sunshine.

Foodplant: The larva feeds on the seeds of Devil's-bit Scabious, Wild Teasel or sometimes Field Scabious or Small Scabious. It then eats the lower leaves from its case while living under the plant. The case is made of soil particles and silk. It pupates in the case on the ground.