Gelechiidae

35.038 House Moss-moth Bryotropha domestica (Haworth, 1828)

Common

Similar species:

Forewing: 5.5 to 6mm

Habitats: Gardens and other urban areas.

Habits: The moth rests on walls during the day. It flies at dusk and later comes to light.

Foodplant: The larva feeds on Wall Screw-moss Tortula muralis and probably other mosses from a silk gallery in the moss on old stone walls. A heap of yellow frass outside the gallery may give away its presence. The larva has been found feeding on the surface of the moss when there has been a dew or it is wet. It pupates in an open netted cocoon in the silk gallery.