17.015 BF252

Ochsenheimeria urella

Fischer von Röslerstamm, 1842

Wingspan c. 11mm.

Fairly widespread throughout much of the British Isles, the females of this species have their antennae thickened with elongated scales for about three-fifths of their length, creating a noticeably 'shaggy' appearance. Males have slightly thickened antennae over three fifths, though with recumbent scales.

Both sexes sport a tuft of erect scales on the head, and the forewing has some raised scales, though not so noticable as those on O. taurella.

The larvae feed on grasses, such as couch grass (Agropyron) and brome (Bromus), mining the leaves then later feeding inside the stems.

Adult moths fly in July and August and are on the wing in the morning if it is sunny, later hiding deep among the grass stems.