Forked Harpella
Common NameForked Harpella
Scientific NameHarpella forficella
FamilyDepressariidae
SubfamilyOecophorinae
Wingspan (mm)20
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsbrown, cream, yellow
HabitatDeciduous woodlands, forests, parks, gardens
Geographic RangeEurope, parts of Asia
Host Plantsdecaying oak wood, decaying deciduous wood
Flight PeriodJune to August
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are detritivores, feeding on decaying wood, particularly under bark or in rotten stumps of deciduous trees like oak. Pupation occurs in a cocoon within the larval feeding site.
Identification TipsKey features include the broad, creamy-yellow stripe on the dark brown forewing, which is distinctly forked or notched near the apex, and the long, upturned labial palps.
Description
A small moth with dark brown forewings featuring a prominent creamy-yellow stripe that broadens towards the apex and has a distinctive forked or notched appearance.
