Pyralidae

62.015 Western Thyme Knot-horn Delplanqueia dilutella ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775)

Local

Similar species: Delplanqueia inscriptella

Forewing: 8 to 10.5mm

Habitats: Calcareous grassland and downland, cliffs, quarries and sand-dunes.

Habits: The moth is easily disturbed by day. It flies in the evening and comes to light.

Foodplant: The larva is thought to overwinter while small. In the spring it feeds on Wild Thyme from a silk gallery that flows through the plant and over adjacent stones. It has an association with the yellow ant Lasius flavus. It pupates in its silk tube, in the earth or in the leaf litter.