Thatch Tubic
Common NameThatch Tubic
Scientific NameTinea tubicella
FamilyTineidae
SubfamilyTineinae
Wingspan (mm)12
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsdark grey, brown, pale yellow
HabitatWoodlands, gardens, areas with dry organic matter, sometimes indoors
Geographic RangeEurope, parts of Asia, North America
Host Plantsfungi, detritus, old birds' nests, animal hair/feathers
Flight PeriodMay to August
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are case-bearers, constructing a portable silken case covered with detritus. They feed on various dry organic matter and pupate within the larval case.
Identification TipsKey features include its small size, dark forewings with a prominent pale central patch, and long antennae. The larval case is also distinctive.
Description
A small, dark greyish-brown micro-moth with long antennae and a distinctive pale yellowish-white, somewhat rectangular patch on the middle of each forewing.
