Scalloped Sack-bearer Moth
Common NameScalloped Sack-bearer Moth
Scientific NamePsyche casta
FamilyPsychidae
SubfamilyPsychinae
Wingspan (mm)14
Primary Colorslight brown, orange-brown
HabitatWoodlands, heathland, gardens, open habitats
Geographic RangeEurope, parts of Asia
Host Plantslichens, algae, detritus, low-growing plants
Flight PeriodMay to July
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae construct and carry a silken case covered with plant debris. Females are wingless and remain within their larval case.
Identification TipsKey features include the distinctly scalloped wing margins, the uniform light brown coloration, and the small size of the winged male. The wingless female and the characteristic larval case are also diagnostic.
Description
This is a small, hairy moth with broad, uniform light orange-brown wings that feature distinctly scalloped margins and a small dark discal spot on each forewing.
