Cocksfoot Moth
Common NameCocksfoot Moth
Scientific NameGlyphipterix simpliciella
FamilyGlyphipterigidae
SubfamilyGlyphipteriginae
Wingspan (mm)9.5
Primary Colorsdark grey, brown, white
HabitatGrasslands, meadows, open woodlands, gardens
Geographic RangeEurope, parts of Asia, introduced to North America
Host PlantsCocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata), Timothy-grass (Phleum pratense), Fescues (Festuca spp.)
Flight PeriodMay to August
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae develop within the seed heads of various grasses, primarily Cocksfoot, feeding on the seeds. Pupation occurs inside the seed head or on the ground, with one generation per year.
Identification TipsLook for its small size (8-11mm wingspan), dark forewings with prominent, often metallic, white markings including a characteristic comma-shaped mark near the tornus, and its presence in grassy habitats.
Description
A very small, slender moth with dark greyish-brown forewings adorned with distinctive white, often metallic, streaks and spots, particularly towards the apex and tornus.
