Violet Cosmet
Common NameViolet Cosmet
Scientific NamePancalia leuwenhoekella
FamilyCosmopterigidae
SubfamilyCosmopteriginae
Wingspan (mm)11.5
Primary Colorsorange, black, iridescent violet, silver
HabitatOpen woodlands, meadows, dry grasslands, chalk downland
Geographic RangeEurope, parts of Asia
Host PlantsViola hirta, Viola spp.
Flight PeriodMay to July
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed internally on the roots and lower stems of violets, pupating in a cocoon in the soil or leaf litter. Adults are diurnal and emerge in late spring to early summer.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its small size, the combination of orange-brown and black forewings, and particularly the distinctive raised, iridescent silver-violet spots. Its diurnal flight and association with *Viola* host plants are also key.
Description
A small, striking moth with a dark head and thorax, and forewings featuring a rich orange-brown ground color marked with black streaks and prominent, raised iridescent silver-violet spots. The hindwings are dark.
