Deuterotinea casanella
Common NameDeuterotinea casanella
Scientific NameDeuterotinea casanella
FamilyTineidae
SubfamilyMeessiinae
Wingspan (mm)10
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorspale brown, grayish-brown
HabitatDry, rocky areas, walls, and open habitats with lichens or mosses
Geographic RangeSouthern Europe, Mediterranean region
Host Plantslichens, mosses
Flight PeriodMay to July
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis. Larvae are believed to feed on lichens or mosses, possibly living in silken tubes or cases.
Identification TipsKey features include its small size, narrow and uniformly pale wings, and long antennae. Identification often requires examination of genitalia due to similarity with other micro-moths.
Description
A small, slender moth with narrow, pale grayish-brown forewings that may have faint darker speckling, and long antennae. Its coloration provides excellent camouflage against its habitat.
