Banded Scardiella
Common NameBanded Scardiella
Scientific NameScardiella anatolica
FamilyTineidae
SubfamilyScardiinae
Wingspan (mm)13
Primary Colorsbrown, cream, black
HabitatDeciduous and mixed forests, woodlands, areas with decaying wood and fungi
Geographic RangeEurope, parts of Asia Minor
Host PlantsFungi (e.g., bracket fungi, polypores) on decaying wood
Flight PeriodMay to September
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesThe larvae are fungivorous, developing inside bracket fungi and other polypores on decaying wood, where they feed and pupate.
Identification TipsKey features include its small size, the distinctive irregular dark and light banding on the forewings, and its typical resting posture with wings held roof-like, often found on tree trunks or near fungi.
Description
A small moth characterized by its cryptically patterned forewings, which display a mottled mix of dark brown, black, and cream patches forming irregular bands, providing camouflage against tree bark.
