Mompha epilobiella

Mompha epilobiella
Mompha epilobiella
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Momphidae
Genus: Mompha
Species: M. epilobiella
Binomial name
Mompha epilobiella
(Denis & Schiffermüller, 1775)
Synonyms
  • Tinea epilobiella Denis & Schiffermuller, 1775
  • Recurvaria fulvescens Haworth, 1828
  • Cleodora nebulella Stephens, 1834

Mompha epilobiella is a moth in the Momphidae family. It has a Holarctic distribution, it is found in North America, including Ontario and all of Europe.

A shoot of Epilobium hirsutum disfigured by larva
Larva

The wingspan is 10-13 mm. Adults are on wing throughout the year, but are most common in July and August in Great Britain.

The larvae have been recorded feeding on Chamerion angustifolium, Epilobium hirsutum, Epilobium montanum, Epilobium palustre and Oenothera species, but Epilobium hirsutum is the main food plant. The other listed plants might be misidentifications. Young larvae probably live as leaf miners. Older larvae live, mostly communally, in spun uppermost leaves.

External links

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