Gelechiidae

35.040 Brown Moss-moth Bryotropha terrella ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775)

Common

Similar species: There are several similar species, so if unsure of the identification check the genitalia.

Forewing: 6.5 to 7.5mm

Habitats: Wherever dryish short turf and moss is present, especially in sandy conditions.

Habits: The moth is easily disturbed on sunny days. It flies from dusk and later comes to light.

Foodplant: The larva feeds from a silk gallery within a moss. It is known to feed on Springy Turf-moss Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus, Rough-stalked Feather-moss Bracythecium rutabulum, Pointed Spear-moss Calliergonella cuspidata, Heath Plait-moss Hypnum jutlandicum, Sand-hill Screw-moss Syntrichia ruralis ruraliformis and Common Bent, but it probably also feeds on other mosses and grasses.