11.015 BF190

Whittleia retiella

(Newman, 1847)

Wingspan c. 8-10mm (male).

This local species occurs in saltmarsh habitats in the south-east of England.

The males, with their chequered, or netted appearance and strongly pectinate antennae, are quite distinctive, and fly in the daytime, especially on calm sunny days.

The females are apterous and grub-like.

The larva feeds on common saltmarsh-grass (Puccinellia maritima) and other grasses in the saltmarshes.

It forms a case made from thin grass stems. Adult moths emerge in May and June.