Metzneria lappella

Wingspan 16 to 20 mm. Quite similar to other members of the group, but the light colouration and a dark line in the cilia are distinctive is this species.

Various habitats, especially areas where the larval foodplant is present.

The adults fly in June and July.

The larvae feed on the seeds of Greater Burdock and pupation takes place in the seedhead.

Widespread though not particularly common in southern England and in the north of England and Wales. It is scarcer in Scotland and unknown in Ireland. In the Butterfly Conservation’s Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as local.

It appears to be uncommon in Leicestershire and Rutland, where there are few records. L&R Moth Group status = D (rare or rarely recorded).