Monopis imella

Wingspan about 12 mm. This relatively nondescript species generally shows a yellowish tuft of scales on the head and a narrow pale buff line along the edge of the costa. There can be a pale spot on the forewing but often the forewing looks entirely plain.

Various habitats.

Adults occur between June and September, possibly in two generations.

The larvae feed on refuse of animal origin such as wool or hair and are sometimes found in birds' nests.

The species has a fairly wide distribution over the British Isles but is quite uncommon. In the Butterfly Conservation’s Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as Nationally Scarce B.

Rare in Leicestershire and Rutland where there are few local records.