49.169 BF1069

Celypha aurofasciana

(Haworth, 1811)

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Wingspan 12-14 mm.

A scarce and quite local species, occuring mostly in the southern counties of England but ranging locally to the Midlands. It is also found in western Ireland.

It is quite distinctive, with two broad yellow fasciae, each with a narrow dark central line, against a dark greyish brown ground colour. The latin name aurofasciana describes this appearance, auro meaning 'gold'.

Unusually for the family, the larvae feed in a silken gallery amongst mosses and liverworts on tree trunks.

The adult moths fly during June and July, often in late afternoon and evening.