Agonopterix ciliella

Almost identical to the commoner Agonopterix heracliana, but slightly larger and fresh individuals will likely show a pinkish wash to the underside and the hindwing cilia.

The hindwing cilia lines are no longer considered a reliable characteristic to record A. ciliella, however the presence of five distinct lines in the hindwing cilia, coupled with larger size and pink hues, are indicative of individuals to select for dissection.

Both A. heracliana and A. ciliella feed on a range of umbellifers in the same manner, but may be separated by the larval head colour (yellow/orange tinged green in heracliana vs brown/black in ciliella).

Agonopterix heracliana is generally smaller, browner and usually has only one distinct hindwing cilia line, but may show up to five.

All records of adults must be confirmed via dissection. All larval records must be supported by photos of the spinnings and the larva.

Any well vegetated areas, especially where umbellifers are present.

Flying at night in suitable weather from August to May, and sometimes coming to light.

Larvae feed from May to September on a variety of umbelliferous plants.

Widespread throughout Britain. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as common.

Rarely recorded in VC55.