Small Barred Longhorn
Common NameSmall Barred Longhorn
Scientific NameNemophora minimella
FamilyAdelidae
SubfamilyAdelinae
Wingspan (mm)12
Primary Colorsdark brown, orange, purple, white
HabitatDamp meadows, open woodlands, hedgerows, gardens
Geographic RangeEurope, from Fennoscandia south to the Mediterranean, and east to Russia
Host PlantsPlantago, Galium, Potentilla, Trifolium
Flight PeriodMay to July
Flight Stylehovering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are case-bearers, feeding on the leaves of various low-growing herbaceous plants. Pupation occurs within the larval case.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive very long antennae with white tips, the reddish head, and the two bright orange-yellow bands on the dark, iridescent wings. Males often exhibit a characteristic hovering flight.
Description
A small moth with a reddish-brown head, extremely long dark antennae tipped with white, and iridescent dark purplish-brown forewings marked with two prominent orange-yellow transverse bands.
