Heather Knot-horn
Common NameHeather Knot-horn
Scientific NamePempelia genistella
FamilyPyralidae
SubfamilyPhycitinae
Wingspan (mm)20
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsgrey, brown, reddish-brown, black
HabitatHeathland, moorland, open woodlands, gardens
Geographic RangeWestern and Central Europe, including the British Isles
Host PlantsCalluna vulgaris, Genista, Cytisus scoparius
Flight PeriodJuly to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed on heather and broom, often within silken tubes or webs on the host plant. They overwinter as larvae or pupae, pupating in a cocoon.
Identification TipsKey features include the characteristic reddish-brown streak along the forewing's costa, the overall mottled grey-brown cryptic pattern, and its strong association with heathland habitats and host plants like heather.
Description
A small, slender moth with cryptically patterned forewings, featuring mottled grey and brown tones, distinct dark transverse lines, and a prominent reddish-brown streak along the costa.
