Agonopterix nervosa

Wingspan 16 to 22 mm. The adults vary, but the forewing usually has a distinct whitish band curving from the base of the wing along nearly half of the costa. However, other species share this feature. Fresh adults often have noticeably pink or purplish legs when viewed from certain angles.

Around areas of Gorse and Broom.

July to September when it will come to light. Some, at least, overwinter as adults and may appear at light in mid-winter.

The larva feeds in May and June from lightly spun shoots of Broom and Gorse and a few other less common species of plant.

One of the commonest Agonopterix species with scattered records from around Britain. In the Butterfly Conservation’s Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as common.

Occasional in Leicestershire and Rutland. L&R Moth Group status = C (very scarce resident or rare migrant).