Little Longhorn
Common NameLittle Longhorn
Scientific NameNemophora degeerella
FamilyAdelidae
SubfamilyAdelinae
Wingspan (mm)15
Primary Colorsdark brown, bronze, pale yellow
HabitatDeciduous woodlands, woodland edges, clearings, meadows, gardens
Geographic RangeEurope, parts of Asia
Host Plantsdecaying leaves, plant detritus, roots of herbaceous plants (e.g., Plantago, Viola)
Flight PeriodMay to July
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are case-bearers, living in a silken case among leaf litter and feeding on decaying plant material or roots. Pupation occurs within the larval case.
Identification TipsLook for the extremely long antennae (often 3-4 times body length in males) and the dark bronze wings with a single, prominent pale yellow transverse band across the forewings.
Description
A small, dark bronze-brown moth characterized by its exceptionally long, slender antennae, especially prominent in males. Each forewing features a distinct pale yellow transverse band.
