UKMoths Cocksfoot Moth Glyphipterix simpliciella - 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.
19.007 BF391
Cocksfoot Moth Glyphipterix simpliciella
(Stephens, 1834)
Wingspan 6-9 mm.
A very common species in much of Britain and Ireland, it can be found in good numbers between May and July visiting flowers, especially those of buttercup (Ranunculus). There can sometimes be 20 or more to one flower.
The larval foodplant is mainly the grass cock's foot (Dactylis glomerata), where the tiny caterpillars feed on the seeds, later pupating in the stem.
The moths are tiny (3 or 4mm long) and are easily overlooked, but when inspected closely can be seen slowly 'pumping' their wings slightly open and closed.
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