Beautiful Cosmopterix Moth
Common NameBeautiful Cosmopterix Moth
Scientific NameCosmopterix pulchrimella
FamilyCosmopterigidae
SubfamilyCosmopteriginae
Wingspan (mm)8
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsdark brown, white, orange, red
HabitatGardens, woodlands, disturbed areas, often near host plants
Geographic RangeEurope, North Africa, Asia, introduced to North America
Host PlantsParietaria officinalis, Humulus lupulus, Urtica dioica
Flight PeriodMay to October
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesThe larvae are leaf miners, creating blotch mines on their host plants before pupating.
Identification TipsKey features include its extremely small size, the distinctive pattern of white and metallic orange lines on dark brown forewings, and its prominent red eyes.
Description
A minute, slender moth characterized by its dark brown forewings intricately patterned with brilliant white and metallic orange stripes, and striking red eyes.
