63.121 BF1329

Donacaula forficella

(Thunberg, 1794)

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Wingspan 24-32 mm.

Inhabiting marshy areas, ditches and similar habitats, the larva of this species has a peculiar habit of cutting part of a leaf to act as a raft, using this to float on the water to a new foodplant when necessary.

The moths fly in June and July and are usually encountered at light.

Common reed (Phragmites australis) and similar plants are the larval foodplant, and the species is found in the southern half of Britain.