7.005 BF145

Nemophora minimella
Small Scabious Longhorn

([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775)

Wingspan c. 12mm.

A widespread but local species species over much of the British Isles, occupying dry pastures and downland. The adults can be found flying by day during July and resting on the flowers of the foodplants.

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.

The males have antennae almost twice the wing length; those of the females are just over one wing length.