Violet Longhorn Moth
Common NameViolet Longhorn Moth
Scientific NameAdela violella
FamilyAdelidae
SubfamilyAdeliinae
Wingspan (mm)10
Wing Patternsolid
Primary Colorsbronze, brown, purple
HabitatWoodlands, forest edges, meadows, gardens
Geographic RangeEurope, parts of Asia
Host PlantsPlantago lanceolata, Veronica, general leaf litter
Flight PeriodMay to July
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are case-bearers, feeding on fallen leaves and detritus on the ground. They construct a portable case from plant material and pupate within it.
Identification TipsKey features are the very long antennae (often 2-3 times the body length), small size, and metallic coppery-purplish wing coloration. Males often 'dance' in swarms.
Description
A small moth with a metallic coppery-bronze or purplish sheen on its wings, most notably characterized by extremely long, thread-like antennae, particularly prominent in males.
