Enchanter's Cosmet
Common NameEnchanter's Cosmet
Scientific NameMompha terminella
FamilyMomphidae
Wingspan (mm)9
Primary Colorsbronze, gold, black, white
HabitatWoodlands, damp areas, gardens, anywhere Enchanter's-nightshade grows
Geographic RangeEurope, including Great Britain, Ireland, Netherlands, Belgium, France, Germany, Denmark, Fennoscandia, Russia, and parts of Asia
Host PlantsCircaea lutetiana, Circaea alpina
Flight PeriodJune to August
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesThe larvae are stem-miners or gall-formers within the stems of Enchanter's-nightshade (*Circaea lutetiana* or *C. alpina*). Pupation occurs within the stem or in a cocoon on the ground, with adults emerging in summer.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its small size, brilliant iridescent bronze-gold and purplish-black pattern, prominent white markings (especially the apical patch and dorsal spot), and association with Enchanter's-nightshade. The raised scale tufts on the wings are also a key feature.
Description
A small, slender micro-moth with highly iridescent bronze-gold forewings adorned with contrasting purplish-black spots and white markings, notably a white patch near the apex and a dorsal spot. Its antennae are long and slender, and it often exhibits raised scale tufts on its wings.
