Philedonides lunana - 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.

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49.01 BF1009

Philedonides lunana

(Thunberg, 1784)


Wingspan c.14 mm.

A species of moorland and heathland, this moth shows distinct sexual dimorphism. The males are relatively dull brown and have pectinate antennae, the females have more distinctive chestnut brown markings on a greyish-buff ground colour.

It occurs from the Midlands northwards into Scotland, and in Ireland. Flying from March to May, the males can be found on the wing on calm sunny days.

The larvae feed on a wide variety of moorland plants, including heather (Calluna), and bilberry (Vaccinium), spinning together leaves or flowers.
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