Ribbed Case Moth
Common NameRibbed Case Moth
Scientific NamePachythelia villosella
FamilyPsychidae
SubfamilyOiketicinae
Wingspan (mm)24
Primary Colorsdark brown, black, blue
HabitatHeathland, open woodlands, grasslands
Geographic RangeWestern and Central Europe
Host Plantsheather, gorse, broom, grasses
Flight PeriodJune to August (males)
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae construct a portable case from silk and plant material, which they carry throughout their development. Females are flightless and often remain within or near their larval case, emitting pheromones to attract winged males.
Identification TipsThe large, hairy, dark body and greatly reduced, translucent wings of the female are distinctive. Larval cases are ribbed and covered with plant fragments.
Description
This image shows a robust, very hairy, dark-bodied female moth with greatly reduced, translucent, bluish-tinged wings. Its head and thorax are densely covered in dark brown to black fur.
