8.002 BF130

Incurvaria masculella

([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775)

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Wingspan 12-16 mm.

The males of this moth have comb-like or 'pectinate' antennae, a feature unusual amongst the 'micros'. When viewed from certain angles, they also show a purplish metallic sheen.

It is a fairly common moth over most of Britain and Ireland, and flies during May.

The larvae mine leaves at first, later descending to the ground in a portable case and feeding on dead leaves. A number of deciduous trees and bushes can be used, but especially hawthorn (Crataegus).