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TranslateAnthophila fabriciana
Anthophila fabriciana (Linnaeus, 1767)
Commonly known as “Common Nettle-tap”
Family: Choreutidae
Wingspan 11-15 mm.
Adults Flight Season: May to October.
A widespread and common species of “Day-Flying Micro-moth” occurring throughout Britain and most of Europe. Also found in Asia, Russia, in 2013 was recorded in Canada, (Manitoba). Thrives throughout most of the world, where the host, “Common nettle” plant grows.
Habitat: Hedgerows, woodland edges, waste-land and gardens, where-ever Urtica dioica (Common nettle plant) is growing. In the warmer summer months, vast numbers of Common Nettle-tap moths can be seen flying around stinging nettles, which are the larval foodplant.
This micro-moth has two broods a year, they mainly over-winter as larva. The female lays her eggs on the stem or surface of a nettle leaf. This is then drawn together at the edges and gives protection for the larvae to feed within the “silk nest”. They will pupate in or near the original folded leaf, continuing to live in the protection of a white densely spun “cocoon,” from within this spindle-shaped cocoon, they will emerge as adults, in the early summer months. Some adults will also survive the winter months, especially in milder climates.
Read MoreCommonly known as “Common Nettle-tap”
Family: Choreutidae
Wingspan 11-15 mm.
Adults Flight Season: May to October.
A widespread and common species of “Day-Flying Micro-moth” occurring throughout Britain and most of Europe. Also found in Asia, Russia, in 2013 was recorded in Canada, (Manitoba). Thrives throughout most of the world, where the host, “Common nettle” plant grows.
Habitat: Hedgerows, woodland edges, waste-land and gardens, where-ever Urtica dioica (Common nettle plant) is growing. In the warmer summer months, vast numbers of Common Nettle-tap moths can be seen flying around stinging nettles, which are the larval foodplant.
This micro-moth has two broods a year, they mainly over-winter as larva. The female lays her eggs on the stem or surface of a nettle leaf. This is then drawn together at the edges and gives protection for the larvae to feed within the “silk nest”. They will pupate in or near the original folded leaf, continuing to live in the protection of a white densely spun “cocoon,” from within this spindle-shaped cocoon, they will emerge as adults, in the early summer months. Some adults will also survive the winter months, especially in milder climates.
