- Micropterix aruncella
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Micropterix aruncella 
Scientific classification Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Arthropoda Class: Insecta Order: Lepidoptera Family: Micropterigidae Genus: Micropterix Species: M. aruncella Binomial name Micropterix aruncella
(Scopoli, 1763)Synonyms - Phalaena aruncella Scopoli, 1763
- Tinea seppella Fabricius, 1777
- Tinea podevinella Hübner, 1813
- Lampronia concinnella
- Micropteryx eximiella Zeller, 1850
- Eriocephala atricapilla Wocke, 1877
- Micropteryx nuraghella Amsel, 1936
Micropterix aruncella is a species of moth belonging to the family Micropterigidae. This is one of the best known members of the family, being found in a wide range of habitats from sea level to over 2000 m. The only habitat not favoured by this species is dense woodland. It is distributed throughout Europe except the Iberian Peninsula.
This very small moth has a maximum forewing length of only 4 mm. The colour of the forewings is rather variable but is usually reddish golden. Females usually have no other markings but males are marked with two silvery white bands. Like other members of the family, this species has functional jaws and it feeds as an adult on pollen grains from a wide variety of flowers including those of Crataegus, Cytisus, Lychnis, Pinus, Plantago, Rosa, Urtica and Veronica as well as numerous grasses. Depending on elevation and latitude, the adults may be encountered from May to August.
The larva feeds on detritus before pupating in a tough cocoon.
References
- Zeller-Lukashort, H. Christof; et al (2007). "A review of Micropterix Hübner, 1825 from northern and central Europe (Micropterigidae)". Nota Lepidopterologica 30 (2): 235–298. http://www.nkis.info/nkis/vortrag/03_Zeller.pdf.
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