32.038 BF674

Depressaria badiella

(Hübner, 1796)

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Wingspan c. 20mm.

A relatively local species with a scattered distribution over much of the British Isles, this species prefers dry, sandy or chalky ground.

The adult moths fly in a single generation between July and September, and come to light.

The larvae occur from May to July and feed on cat's ear (Hypochoeris radicata), perennial sow-thistle (Sonchus arvensis) or dandelion (Taraxacum), initially between spun leaves and later amongst the roots.