UKMoths Argyresthia trifasciata - Distribution map
Please note that the NBN Gateway map service has been terminated as of 1 April 2017.
As soon as a replacement map service is available, distribution maps will hopefully appear here again.
In the meantime, you can get some idea of distribution from the NBN Atlas website.
20.005 BF409a
Argyresthia trifasciata
Staudinger, 1871
Wingspan 7-10 mm.
This tiny but quite distinctive moth was not discovered in Britain until 1982, when one was caught in London. More recently the species has become widely associated with gardens, and are now regularly found in good numbers around conifers, especially juniper (Juniperus) and Leyland cypress (Cupressocyparis leylandii).
Although very small, it is quite noticeable as it flies slowly against the dark backdrop of the trees, and can often be caught easily in the hand. On closer investigation, the diagnostic three white cross-lines can be seen.
The moth flies in May and June, and the larvae feed on the coniferous trees mentioned above, causing the tips of the shoots to turn brown.
More images
