Vetch Sober
Common NameVetch Sober
Scientific NameAproaerema anthyllidella
FamilyGelechiidae
SubfamilyGelechiinae
Wingspan (mm)10
Primary Colorsdark brown, grey, white
HabitatMeadows, grasslands, dry sandy areas, open woodlands
Geographic RangeEurope, Asia, North Africa, North America (introduced)
Host PlantsKidney Vetch, Bird's-foot Trefoil, Clover, Vetch
Flight PeriodMay to September
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed internally within spun leaves or flowers of various legume host plants. Pupation occurs in a cocoon near the host plant.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its small size (9-12mm), dark cryptic coloration with a distinct white tornal spot, pointed head, and long upturned labial palps. Often found near legume host plants.
Description
A small, slender micro-moth with dark brown to greyish forewings mottled with scattered pale scales, often featuring a prominent white spot near the outer margin.
