Scotch flat-body
Common NameScotch flat-body
Scientific NameAgonopterix conterminella
FamilyDepressariidae
SubfamilyDepressariinae
Wingspan (mm)20
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsgrey, brown, white
HabitatOpen woodlands, heathland, gardens, areas with willow trees
Geographic RangeEurope (including Great Britain), parts of Asia, introduced to North America
Host Plantswillow (Salix spp.), sallow (Salix caprea)
Flight PeriodJuly to October
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed on the leaves of willow and sallow, often spinning them together. Pupation occurs in a cocoon, and adults emerge later in the summer, overwintering before laying eggs in spring.
Identification TipsIdentified by its flattened resting posture, the mottled grey-brown forewings with a somewhat rectangular shape, and its association with willow host plants. The head and thorax are often paler than the forewings.
Description
A small, slender moth with cryptically patterned grey and brown forewings, often mottled with white scales and subtle darker markings, giving it excellent camouflage against bark.
