Celypha striana

Distribution and habitat

This species can be found in most of Europe and in the East Palearctic ecozone, except the far north and northern Asia. It prefers open grassy habitats, rough meadows and roadsides.

Description

The wingspan is 16–22 mm. This species is very variable in color.Usually the basic color of the forewings is light ochreous, finely reticulated dark brown. In the middle of the forewings there is a strongly developed transverse darker brown band and brown markings on the outer edge. The hindwings are gray or pale brown.

Biology

These moths fly from late May to late September. ^[1]. The males are active by day and from dusk onwards, while females fly only from dusk. They are attracted to light. The larvae feed on the rooths of dandelion (Taraxacum officinale). They pupate in a cocoon and hibernate.