Mompha subbistrigella

Alternative names
Garden Mompha
Garden Cosmet
Description

Wingspan 7-11.5 mm. A greyish species with two whiter bands.

Identification difficulty
Habitat

In summer they can be seen around the larval foodplant - Willowherb, particularly Broad-leaved Willowherb. They may also be found overwintering in sheds etc.

When to see it

The adults emerge in late summer and may be seen on the wing any time until late spring.

Life History

The larvae of this widely distributed species feed within the seedpods of Broad-leaved Willowherb and occasionally on other Willowherb species. The affected pods may be recognised as they become thickened, shortened, distorted and often redden prematurely. The pod will also have a hole in the side.

UK Status

This moth is fairly common in England and Wales, with a restricted distribution in Scotland and Ireland. In the Butterfly Conservation’s Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as common.

VC55 Status

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

Reference
40.008 BF892

Leicestershire & Rutland Map

MAP KEY:

Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2020+ | 2015-2019 | pre-2015

UK Map

Species profile

Common names
Garden Cosmet
Species group:
Moths
Kingdom:
Animalia
Order:
Lepidoptera
Family:
Momphidae
Records on NatureSpot:
149
First record:
13/06/2003 (Skevington, Mark)
Last record:
18/03/2024 (Smith, Peter)

Total records by month

% of records within its species group

10km squares with records

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