Mompha idaei
Common NameMompha idaei
Scientific NameMompha idaei
FamilyMomphidae
SubfamilyMomphinae
Wingspan (mm)10
Primary Colorsbrown, reddish-brown, dark brown, cream
HabitatWoodlands, heathlands, gardens, damp areas where host plants grow
Geographic RangeEurope (including UK, Scandinavia, Central Europe)
Host PlantsEpilobium angustifolium, Epilobium montanum
Flight PeriodMay to June, July to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are internal feeders, mining stems or forming galls on species of Willowherb (Epilobium). Pupation occurs in a cocoon, often near the host plant.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its specific reddish-brown ground color, the arrangement of dark raised scale tufts on the forewings, and its association with Epilobium host plants. The overall cryptic pattern helps it blend with bark or plant debris.
Description
A small, slender moth with mottled reddish-brown and dark brown forewings, characterized by several prominent raised tufts of dark scales and paler cream-colored markings.
