Wednesday, 15 February 2012
Acanthopsyche atra
Scientific Name:
Acanthopsyche atra
Scientific Family:
Psychidae
Subfamily:
Oiketicinae
Wingspan (mm):
Between 16-22 mm. Female wingless
Log Book Number:
191 Description
The male and female moths are markedly different. The male has translucent wings that are covered in grey hair scales, it has large bipectinate antennae and the body is hairy. The female is yellow, has vestigial antennae and legs, a brown head and no wings.
Distribution
Found in the Scottish Highlands, North Wales Cumbria, The Penines and Dorset-Hants-Berks
Habitat
On moors and heaths in May and June.
Diet
The larva feed on Heather, grasses and low lying plants.