12.025 BF234

Tapestry Moth Trichophaga tapetzella

(Linnaeus, 1758)

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Wingspan c. 19mm.

This formerly quite common species is now quite rare in Britain. The larvae feed on naturally-occurring fibrous material such as hair, fur or bird feathers, and is typically found these days in birds' nests or owl pellets, but formerly was regularly found indoors, at least in unheated buildings.

The adult moths are quite distinctive, with their creamy-white and fuscous forewing showing a clear demarcation. They generally fly between May and August.