Bryotropha affinis explained

Bryotropha affinis is a moth of the family Gelechiidae. It is found in most of Europe.

The wingspan is 9–12 mm.[1] The terminal joint of palpi longer than second. Forewings dark fuscous, sprinkled with whitish ; a yellow-whitish basal dot; usually a small black spot in disc towards base; stigmata black, plical followed and two discal connected by yellow-whitish scales ; a fine obtusely angulated sometimes interrupted yellowish-white fascia at 3/4. Hindwings light grey. Larva pinkish, paler on each side of dorsal line, darker-marbled on sides ; dots black, very inconspicuous ; head and plate of 2 black. Stainton’s confinis seems to be a dark northern form.[2] [3] [4] [5]

Adults are on wing from June to July in the UK, and from May to September more generally. The larvae feed on mosses on walls and thatch in both open country and urban areas.

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Bryotropha affinis . Mike Wall . Hantsmoths. The Lepidoptera (Moths and Butterflies) of Hampshire and Isle of Wight . 6 September 2024.
  2. Meyrick, E., 1895 A Handbook of British Lepidoptera MacMillan, London pdf Keys and description
  3. Heath, J.,ed. 1976 The Moths and Butterflies of Great Britain and Ireland Vol. 4 Part 2
  4. Langmaid, J. R., Palmer, S. M. & Young, M. R. [eds]. 2018 A Field Guide to the Smaller Moths of Great Britain and Ireland [3rd ed.]Reading, Berkshire. British Entomological and Natural History Society
  5. https://lepiforum.org/wiki/page/Bryotropha_affinis lepiforum.de includes images