UKMoths 
20.023 BF422
Argyresthia albistria
(Haworth, 1828)
Wingspan 9-12 mm.
A plainer and less metallic-looking species than many others of the genus, this moth has a chestnut-brown forewing, usually with a creamy-white stripe from the head to about a third the length of the wing.
It flies at night in July and August, and is attracted to light.
The larvae feed on blackthorn (Prunus spinosa), overwintering and feeding in the spring.
- Larva: (description Ian F. Smith):
Food: Shoots and flowers of Prunus spinosa in flimsy silk spinning, Nov.- May
Length: 7mm.
Head: Black.
Thorax: Pale green. Segments T2 & T3 with red transverse band from dorsum to level of abdominal spiracles. Ends of bands angled forwards.
Prothoracic shield: Blotchy dark brown with light green medial line and pores.
Thoracic legs: Black.
Abdomen: Pale green. Red band from dorsum to venter on each segment. Band expanded around spiracle.
Spiracles: Brown.
Pinacula: Small, dark brown. Transverse row of larger pinacula on segment A9.
Setae: Colourless, transparent.
Anal plate: Brown.
Prolegs: Pale green. Anal prolegs with large postero-lateral brown pinaculum.
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