Eriopygodes imbecilla

Distribution

This species is present in most of Europe.

Habitat

This species commonly lives on gullies and hollows in high moorland areas with host plants.

Description

The wingspan is 24–27 mm. The color of these small moths may vary from tawny to reddish brown. Forewings usually show a pale kidney mark and two wavy cross lines, but often these markings are quite indistinct. Usually females are darker or chocolate brown and smaller than the males. The rear wings are often pale greyish.

Biology

Adults fly from June to July. Larvae are polyphagous on low plants, mainly feeding on bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus), heath bedstraw (Galium saxatile), Knautia and Lamium.