1008 Philedone gerningana
([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775)
Wingspan 13-16 mm.The males of this species are generally broader-winged than the females, and show a rather more marked distinction between the outer and inner halves of the forewing.
It is usually found in wild uncultivated places, often, but not always, upland, including bogs, acid heaths and limestone outcrops. It occurs in most of the upland areas of the British Isles.
The moths fly from late June until August or September, the males flying during the day, and the females from dusk onwards.
The larvae feed on a range of plants and shrubs, in spun leaves or flowers.
Similar species:
The male superficially resembles some forms of the increasingly abundant alien, Epiphyas postvittana, but the tectiform (tent shape) wing posture and bipectinate-ciliate antennae of the male P. gerningana distinguish it. Captures in garden light traps are unlikely to be P. gerningana.
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