45.025 BF1490

Small Plume Oxyptilus parvidactyla

(Haworth, 1811)

Wingspan c. 15mm.

One of a group of rather similar, dark-coloured plume moths with cleft forewings, and whitish markings, these are best identified by dissection, unless reared from larvae on known foodplants.

It is a rather local and scarce species, but occurs in a variety of locations throughout England, Scotland and Ireland.

Adult moths are active from afternoon, especially in sunshine, till dusk. The flight period is June to July.

The larvae feed on mouse-ear hawkweed (Pilosella officinarum), either on the leaves, or in the stem and flower.