Cocksfoot Moth - Glyphipterix simpliciella

Wingspan 6-9 mm. The moths are tiny (3 or 4 mm long) and are easily overlooked but when inspected closely can be seen slowly 'pumping' their wings slightly open and closed.

Flower meadows, especially those rich with Buttercups.

It can be found in good numbers between May and July visiting flowers, especially those of Buttercup (Ranunculus). There can sometimes be 20 or more to one flower.

The larval foodplant is mainly the grass Cock's-foot (Dactylis glomerata) where the tiny caterpillars feed on the seeds, later pupating in the stem.

A very common species in much of Britain and Ireland. In the Butterfly Conservation’s Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as common.

Fairly frequent in Leicestershire and Rutland and possibly under recorded. L&R Moth Group status = B (scarce resident or restricted distribution or regular migrant)