Incurvaria masculella

Wingspan 12-16 mm. The males of this moth have comb-like antennae, a feature unusual amongst the 'micros'. When viewed from certain angles, they also show a purplish metallic sheen.

In areas with plenty of bushes and trees.

Flies during May and early June.

The larvae mine leaves at first, later descending to the ground in a portable case and feeding on dead leaves. A number of deciduous trees and bushes can be used, but especially Hawthorn.

It is a fairly frequent moth over most of Britain, with most records coming from southern England and from Wales. In the Butterfly Conservation’s Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as common.

Fairly frequent but not common in Leicestershire and Rutland. L&R Moth Group status = B (scarce resident or restricted distribution or regular migrant)