Copper Tubic
Common NameCopper Tubic
Scientific NamePyroderces argyrogrammos
FamilyCosmopterigidae
SubfamilyCosmopteriginae
Wingspan (mm)9.5
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorscopper, brown, white, silver
HabitatDry, open coastal areas, saltmarshes, chalk or limestone habitats
Geographic RangeSouthern Europe, North Africa, Middle East, parts of Asia; extending to southern England in Europe.
Host PlantsSalsola kali, Atriplex spp., Chenopodium spp., Halimione portulacoides
Flight PeriodJuly to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are stem-borers or seed-feeders, primarily on halophytic plants such as saltworts and oraches. Pupation typically occurs near the host plant.
Identification TipsKey features include the coppery-brown ground color of the forewings with prominent, somewhat metallic, silvery-white longitudinal streaks and oblique markings. Its small size (8-11mm wingspan) and slender antennae are also characteristic.
Description
A small, slender moth with coppery-brown forewings intricately marked with metallic silvery-white longitudinal streaks and oblique lines. It possesses long, slender antennae and a distinctive tuft of scales at the wing apex.
