Red-breasted Dart
Common NameRed-breasted Dart
Scientific NameAgriphila straminella
FamilyCrambidae
SubfamilyCrambinae
Wingspan (mm)23
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsbrown, grey, pale yellow
HabitatGrasslands, meadows, open woodland, gardens
Geographic RangeEurope, parts of Asia
Host Plantsvarious grasses
Flight PeriodJune to September
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed on grass roots and stems, often living in silken tubes near the base of host plants. Pupation occurs in a cocoon in the soil or among plant debris.
Identification TipsLook for the combination of drab brownish forewings, pale hindwings, and prominent, forward-pointing labial palps. Often found resting head-down on grass stems.
Description
A small, slender moth with brownish-grey forewings that are somewhat mottled and have a faint darker discal spot, and paler, plain hindwings. Its prominent labial palps point forward.
