White-blotched Monopis Moth
Common NameWhite-blotched Monopis Moth
Scientific NameMonopis monachella
FamilyTineidae
SubfamilyTineinae
Wingspan (mm)13
Primary Colorsbrown, white, grey, yellow
HabitatForests, grasslands, human habitations (attics, barns), bird nests, animal burrows
Geographic RangeEurope, parts of Asia, North America
Host Plantswool, fur, feathers, dried animal remains, fungi, other decaying organic matter
Flight PeriodMay to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are detritivores, feeding on a wide range of organic materials such as wool, fur, feathers, and dried animal remains, often found in bird nests or animal burrows before pupating.
Identification TipsThe most distinctive features are the large, irregular white blotch on the forewing and the bright yellowish-orange head tuft, combined with the overall mottled dark brown and grey wing coloration.
Description
A small moth characterized by its dark brown and grey mottled forewings, featuring a prominent, irregular white blotch near the costa and a distinctive yellowish-orange tuft of scales on its head.
