63.066 BF1333

Scoparia pyralella

([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775)

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Wingspan 17-22 mm.

A fairly distinctive Scoparia species, with a short and broad appearance, and pale brown markings.

It is fairly common over most of Britain, though less so in Scotland, and prefers open country.

The adults are on the wing in June and July, mainly at night, but does rest on rocks and tree trunks during the day.

The larval habits have been rarely observed, and it was thought that they may feed on dead or decaying leaves of various low-growing plants. In 2009, larvae (see photo) were found among dead leaves at the base of ribwort plantain (Plantago lancealata), and at least one produced an adult moth of this species.