Exesa Midget Moth
Common NameExesa Midget Moth
Scientific NameExesa conspicua
FamilyGelechiidae
SubfamilyGelechiinae
Wingspan (mm)12
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsbrown, olive green, cream
HabitatWoodlands, heathland, gardens, and areas with host plants like heather.
Geographic RangeEurope (including the UK) and parts of Asia.
Host PlantsCalluna vulgaris, Erica
Flight PeriodMay to July, sometimes a partial second generation in August/September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae typically feed internally as leaf-miners or within spun leaves of their host plants, pupating in a cocoon on the plant or in leaf litter.
Identification TipsLook for its small size, the intricate mottled brown and green forewing pattern, and the characteristic pale, often broken, subterminal fascia. The head and thorax are also mottled.
Description
A small moth with cryptically patterned forewings, displaying a mottled mix of brown, olive-green, and cream, often with a distinct pale, wavy fascia towards the outer margin.
