Bijugis bombycella
Common NameBijugis bombycella
Scientific NameBijugis bombycella
FamilyPsychidae
SubfamilyTaleporiinae
Wingspan (mm)12
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsbrown, grey
HabitatWoodlands, forests, heathlands, areas with mosses and lichens
Geographic RangeEurope
Host Plantslichens, mosses, detritus
Flight PeriodMay to July
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae construct and carry a portable case made of silk and plant material/detritus, feeding on lichens and mosses. Females are wingless (apterous) and remain within their larval case, attracting winged males with pheromones.
Identification TipsKey features for males include their small size, mottled brown wings, and strongly pectinate antennae. The presence of case-bearing larvae in the habitat is also indicative of the Psychidae family.
Description
A small, hairy moth with brownish-grey to dark brown forewings, often exhibiting a mottled or streaked pattern. Males have distinctive feathery (pectinate) antennae.
