Agriphila selasella
Agriphila selasella
Adult • Brindley Ford, Staffordshire • © John Bryan

63.092 BF1303

Agriphila selasella

(Hübner, [1813])


Wingspan c.26 mm.

Although superficially resembling Agriphila tristella, this species has the forewing tip more squared, a much reduced facial cone and a whiter longitudinal streak which doesn't have quite such obvious 'fingers' at the rear.

It is a local species, occurring in England, Wales, southern Scotland and Ireland, and is often associated with coastal habitats, though not exclusively. The flight period is July and August and it is attracted to light.

The larvae feed in a silken gallery on grasses, including common saltmarsh-grass (Puccinellia maritima) and sheep's-fescue (Festuca ovina).
back to top