common flat-body
Common Namecommon flat-body
Scientific NameAgonopterix alstroemeriana
FamilyDepressariidae
SubfamilyDepressariinae
Wingspan (mm)20
Primary Colorsbrown, ochre, dark brown
HabitatGardens, hedgerows, waste ground, disturbed areas
Geographic RangeEurope, North Africa, parts of Asia, introduced to North America
Host Plantspoison hemlock, wild carrot, parsnip
Flight PeriodApril to June, August to October
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed gregariously in spun leaves or flowers of host plants, pupating in a cocoon in the soil or leaf litter. Adults emerge and overwinter, becoming active again in spring to lay eggs.
Identification TipsLook for the characteristic flattened resting posture, the mottled brownish forewings with a pale streak and dark spots, and its association with poison hemlock.
Description
A small, slender moth with a flattened body, typically resting with wings held flat. Its forewings are mottled brownish-ochreous with darker brown markings, often featuring a pale longitudinal streak and a few distinct dark spots.
