Nemophora minimella

Wingspan about 12 mm.  A brassy bronze moth. The males have antennae almost twice the wing length; those of the females are just over one wing length. Head in males is black, in female rust coloured.

Because of the rarity of this species in our area, good close up photographs are required.  Please also state the type of habitat in which it was observed - were the larval foodplants present?

In areas where Devil's-bit Scabious or Small Scabious occur.

The adults can be found flying by day during July

The larvae feed on Devil's-bit Scabious (Succisa pratensis) and Small Scabious (Scabiosa columbaria), at first on the seeds, then later from a portable case on the lower leaves.

Widespread in Britain, but very local in distribution.

Rare in Leicestershire and Rutland.

7.005 BF145