45.036 BF1516

Pselnophorus heterodactyla
Short-winged Plume

(Müller, 1764)

Wingspan c. 20mm.

This rather scarce plume moth has a somewhat disjointed distribution, occurring in certain wooded localities in Suffolk, Gloucester, Cumbria and Scotland.

The adult moths are dark brown, flecked with pale buff, and have with cleft, lobed forewings. They fly during June and July.

The larvae feed on wall lettuce (Mycelis muralis) and marsh hawk's-beard (Crepis paludosa) during autumn before hibernating. In spring they recommence feeding and bite through the midrib of a leaf, making the tip droop, which can help betray their presence.