Micropterix calthella

Alternative names
Plain Pollen-moth
Plain Gold
Description

Another tiny species, with a wingspan of around 8 to 10mm, this moth has metallic bronzy forewings, with purplish tinges in places. Like other Micropterix species, it has a tuft of hairs on the head and like other members of the family, this species has functional jaws.

Identification difficulty
Habitat

Damp woodland, woodland rides and woodland clearings.

When to see it

It can be found flying in the daytime in May and June, where it feeds on the pollen of various plants.

Life History

Larva feeds on plant detritus and also, perhaps, various liverworts.

UK Status

It is fairly common throughout most of Britain. In the Butterfly Conservation’s Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as common.

VC55 Status

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

Reference
1.005 BF5

Leicestershire & Rutland Map

MAP KEY:

Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2020+ | 2015-2019 | pre-2015

UK Map

Species profile

Common names
Plain Gold
Species group:
Moths
Kingdom:
Animalia
Order:
Lepidoptera
Family:
Micropterigidae
Records on NatureSpot:
67
First record:
03/05/2008 (Nicholls, David)
Last record:
13/05/2024 (Calow, Graham)

Total records by month

% of records within its species group

10km squares with records

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