Psychoides filicivora

Wingspan 10 to 12 mm. The light patches on the dark wings of his moth form an approximate diamond shape when the wings are together.

The species occurs in areas that are rich in ferns, but is also sometimes found indoors.

The moths fly during the daytime in an extended generation throughout the summer, but because it can be found on indoor fern plants, it may also be encountered occasionally during the winter months as well.

The larvae feed on various ferns. It is possible that the species has been introduced from abroad with imported ferns.

Discovered in Ireland in 1909, this species has since been found in a number of English and Welsh counties, mainly coastally. In the Butterfly Conservation’s Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as local.

Rare in Leicestershire and Rutland, where there are few records. L&R Moth Group status = D (rare or rarely recorded).