42.002 BF877

Stathmopoda pedella

(Linnaeus, 1761)

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Wingspan 10-14mm

This small but distinctive moth has a very characteristic resting position. It rests with its enlarged tufted banded hindlegs with long spurs almost at right angles to the body and angled slightly upwards.

Larvae feed on the seeds of ripening fruits of alder (Alnus) but show little sign of their presence.

It is widespread but extremely local in southern and south-eastern England. A few scattered populations occur further north. Adults fly in July.