UKMoths 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.
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.
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