Scoparia basistrigalis

Wingspan about 21 mm.

It is rather similar to S. ambigualis in appearance, and is best identified by means of genitalia dissection.

A clear set of photographs. showing all critical identification features is required, and/or a voucher specimen may be necessary - check with the County Recorder before releasing the moth.

 Sometimes found resting on tree trunks in the daytime, and at night will come to light.

Flies in July.

The larva has only recently been described for the first time.  It feeds on the moss Mnium hornum growing on deep soil, which is not deeply shaded.

Most frequent in the southern half of England, becoming more locally distributed further north. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as local.

Infrequently recorded in Leicestershire and Rutland.