Momphidae

40.003 Buff-headed Mompha Mompha lacteella (Stephens, 1834)

Notable B

Similar species: Mompha propinquella

Forewing: 4.5 to 6mm

Habitats: Woodland clearings, rides and wasteground.

Habits: The moth occasionally comes to light.

Foodplant: The larva mines a leaf of Broad-leaved Willowherb or possibly Marsh Willowherb. After overwintering as a small larva, it mines the leaves. The larva is purple-brown to pinkish yellow. The black head has a backward pointing V shaped fissure. The divided prothoracic plate is black, the thoracic legs and anal plate grey. By mid-April it is full-fed and leaves the mine to spin a cream coloured cocoon.