Tinea trinotella

Wingspan 12-18 mm. This small greyish-buff moth has three dark spots on the forewing, which give rise to its scientific name. It also sports a yellowish or orange head-tuft, resulting in its diagnostic appearance.

Found in various habitats.

Flying at night and often visiting light-traps, the adults are at large between May and August, with possibly two generations.

The larva lives in a portable case and is quite common in birds' nests, where it feeds on detritus and food remains.

Fairly frequent in England at least. In the Butterfly Conservation’s Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as common.

Fairly frequent but not common in Leicestershire and Rutland. L&R Moth Group status = B (scarce resident or restricted distribution or regular migrant)