Broad-barred Knot-horn
Common NameBroad-barred Knot-horn
Scientific NamePhycita roborella
FamilyPyralidae
SubfamilyPhycitinae
Wingspan (mm)25
Primary Colorsbrown, reddish-brown, grey, cream
HabitatWoodlands, parks, gardens, areas with oak trees
Geographic RangeEurope, including the British Isles
Host PlantsQuercus, Fagus, Castanea sativa
Flight PeriodJune to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed on oak leaves (and sometimes beech or sweet chestnut) from late summer to autumn, overwintering as larvae in a silken cocoon before pupating in spring. Adults emerge in summer.
Identification TipsLook for the broad, pale, wavy cross-band on the forewing, often with a dark streak extending from the base. The overall mottled brown and grey coloration and the typical roof-like resting posture are also characteristic.
Description
A small to medium-sized moth with forewings mottled in shades of brown, reddish-brown, and grey, featuring a distinctive broad, pale, wavy cross-band and a dark streak from the base.
