Scoparia ambigualis

Food: Moss and/or organic detritus under moss. On marshy ground, or near bracken. November, or earlier, to June. 
Length: 13 mm. 
Head: Mid brown with black posterior and anterior edges. 
Prothoracic shield: Shiny dark brown. 
Thorax: Segments T2 & T3 dark brown with large blackish pinacula (two on dorsum of each segment). 
Thoracic legs: Dark brown and blackish. 
Abdomen: Dark brown with indistinct grey gut showing dorsally. Greenish grey in May, June. Very large blackish pinacula (four on dorsum of each segment). 
Spiracles: Black 
Setae: Black at base, fading distally to colourless transparent. 
Anal plate: Blackish with small reddish marks. 
Prolegs: Dark brown at base. Planta whitish with small black spot. Double circle of grey-black crochets. Anal prolegs encased in long blackish pinaculum. 

Similar Species: Larvae of several species of Scopariinae are similar, with very large pinacula. They should be reared to confirm identification. For a more detailed description, including chaetotaxy, of S. ambigualis see; Smith, I.F., (in press). A description of the larva of Scoparia ambigualis (Treitschke, 1829) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae). Entomologist?s Gazette (publication due 2004). 

Rearing: Keep in plastic box with transparent lid in North facing window. Provide sample of moss and organic material found with larva. Wash the moss and sterilize the detritus in a microwave. Wipe out condensation. Raising indoors will result in early emergence.