07.012 Nematopogon schwarziellus Copyright Martin Evans
07.012 Nematopogon schwarziellus face Copyright Martin Evans
07.012 Nematopogon schwarziellus female Copyright Martin Evans
07.012 Nematopogon schwarziellus face closeup Copyright Martin Evans
07.012 Nematopogon schwarziellus and Nematopogon metaxella Copyright Martin Evans
07.012 Nematopogon schwarziellus and Nematopogon pilella Copyright Martin Evans
Distribution map Copyright Martin Evans
Life stages table Copyright Martin Evans 07.012 Nematopogon schwarziellus Copyright Martin Evans

Adelidae

07.012 Sandy Longhorn Nematopogon schwarziellus Zeller, 1839

Common

Similar species: Nematopogon pilella has a white face (Irish specimens of Nematopogon schwarziellus may also have a white face). Nematopogon swammerdamella is larger (8 to 10mm forewing). Nematopogon metaxella is on average smaller (6 to 8mm) with a broader forewing.

Forewing: 7 to 8mm

Habitats: Woodland rides, mature hedgerows, acid grassland, sheltered scrub on heathland.

Habits: The moth flies in sunshine and sometimes comes to light.

Foodplant: The larva feeds on dead leaves on the ground from a flat case made of leaf fragments. It is full fed by November or earlier when it may pupate in its case, although it sometimes overwinters twice as a larva.