Glyphipterigidae

19.007 Cocksfoot Moth Glyphipterix simpliciella (Stephens, 1834)

Common

Similar species: Glyphipterix forsterella has a white spot within the black apex of the forewing.

Forewing: 3 to 4.5mm

Habitats: Wherever the foodplants are found.

Habits: The moth flies around it foodplants in sunshine and is often abundant nectaring in buttercups, yellow composite flowers and speedwells.

Foodplant: The larva feeds in the seeds of Cock's-foot Grass, Tall Fescue and Meadow Fescue. It bores into a grass head in mid August and then down into the stem where it overwinters in a white cocoon. The larva makes a small hole at the side of the stem, which is where it pupates.