Agonopterix ocellana

Alternative names
Red-eyed Buff
Red-letter Flat-body
Description

Wingspan 19 to 22 mm. This fairly distinctive Agonopterix is easily identified by the combination of rufous, black and white in the centre of the forewing.

Identification difficulty
Habitat

Areas where willow is plentiful.

When to see it

Overwinters as an adult, often being found in early spring as it awakes from hibernation.

Life History

The larva feeds on various willows, feeding between leaves spun together with silk.

UK Status

Relatively common throughout the British Isles. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as common.

VC55 Status

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

Reference
32.007 BF701

Leicestershire & Rutland Map

MAP KEY:

Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2025+ | 2020-2024 | pre-2020

UK Map

Species profile

Common names
Red-letter Flat-body
Species group:
Moths
Kingdom:
Animalia
Order:
Lepidoptera
Family:
Depressariidae
Records on NatureSpot:
13
First record:
28/03/2010 (Skevington, Mark)
Last record:
11/04/2025 (Ryder Hurn)

Total records by month

% of records within its species group

10km squares with records

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