Buckthorn Bent-wing
Common NameBuckthorn Bent-wing
Scientific NameAproaerema anthyllidella
FamilyGelechiidae
SubfamilyAnomologinae
Wingspan (mm)11.5
Primary Colorswhite, brown, black
HabitatMeadows, grasslands, heathland, coastal areas, gardens, and other open habitats where host plants are present.
Geographic RangeEurope, parts of Asia, and introduced to North America.
Host PlantsAnthyllis vulneraria, Lotus corniculatus, Hippophae rhamnoides, various Fabaceae
Flight PeriodMay to June, and July to September (bivoltine)
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae typically feed as leaf-miners or within spun leaves of their host plants, undergoing metamorphosis into pupae before emerging as adults.
Identification TipsKey features include its small size, the prominent fluffy white head, the mottled brown and white forewings, and the characteristic bent-wing resting posture.
Description
A small moth with a distinctive fluffy white head and mottled forewings, which are a mix of white, brown, and black speckles, held in a characteristic bent-wing resting posture.
