Pyralidae

62.029 Oak Knot-horn Phycita roborella ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775)

Common

Similar species: There are dark and light forms of both sexes, but these are unlikely to be mistaken for other British or Irish species.

Forewing: 11 to 13.5mm

Habitats: Deciduous woodland, scrub, hedgerows and gardens.

Habits: The moth flies around oak trees at dusk and comes to light, flowers and sugar.

Foodplant: The small larva overwinters and feeds in the spring in the spun leaves of oaks and occasionally pears, Crab Apple or Hazel. It pupates in the leaf litter, under the earth or in rotten wood or bark.