Four-spotted Fungus Moth
Common NameFour-spotted Fungus Moth
Scientific NameScardia boletella
FamilyTineidae
SubfamilyScardiinae
Wingspan (mm)24
Primary Colorsbrown, dark brown, black
HabitatWoodlands, forests, areas with decaying wood and fungi
Geographic RangeEurope, parts of Asia
Host Plantsbracket fungi (Polyporus spp.), decaying wood fungi
Flight PeriodMay to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesThe larvae are fungivorous, boring into and feeding on bracket fungi, particularly those growing on decaying wood. Pupation typically occurs within the fungal host or in nearby detritus.
Identification TipsLook for its distinctive mottled brown and dark-spotted forewings and its association with bracket fungi in woodland environments. The overall cryptic coloration helps it blend in with its fungal hosts or tree bark.
Description
A medium-sized moth characterized by its mottled brown forewings, which are irregularly marked with darker brown to blackish spots and speckles, providing excellent camouflage.
