Common Drill
Common NameCommon Drill
Scientific NameBlastobasis adustella
FamilyBlastobasidae
SubfamilyBlastobasinae
Wingspan (mm)14
Primary Colorsdark brown, orange, yellow
HabitatGardens, parks, woodlands, disturbed areas, often near human habitation
Geographic RangeWidespread in Europe, introduced to parts of North America (e.g., California, Pacific Northwest) and New Zealand
Host Plantsdecaying plant matter, seeds, fungi, stored products
Flight PeriodJune to October
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are polyphagous detritivores, feeding on decaying organic matter, seeds, and fungi. Pupation occurs in a cocoon.
Identification TipsKey features include the small size, slender body, and the distinctive pattern of dark forewings with prominent, irregular orange-yellow patches and striations.
Description
A small, slender moth with dark brownish-grey forewings featuring a prominent, irregular orange-yellow patch on the costa and a larger, more central orange-yellow blotch, with the outer wing area showing some yellowish striations.
