Common Oak Purple
Common NameCommon Oak Purple
Scientific NameAdela cuprella
FamilyAdelidae
SubfamilyAdelinae
Wingspan (mm)12
Wing Patterniridescent
Primary Colorsgolden-bronze, iridescent blue-purple, brown
HabitatOak woodlands, forests, parks, and gardens with oak trees
Geographic RangeEurope, parts of Asia
Host PlantsOak (Quercus spp.)
Flight PeriodMarch to May
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae develop in a silken case among fallen oak leaves, feeding on the decaying foliage before pupating within the leaf litter.
Identification TipsKey features include its distinctive metallic iridescence and very long, hairy antennae (especially in males), typically found in oak woodlands during early spring.
Description
A small, slender moth with striking iridescent golden-bronze forewings densely speckled with brilliant metallic blue-purple scales, and notably long, hairy antennae.
