Mompha sturnipennella
Kentish Cosmet
Kentish Mompha
Wingspan 13 to 18 mm. This momphid is superficially similar to the more widespread M. subbistrigella, differing from that species in its larger size and by the presence of distinct white costal streaks.
Areas where the larval foodplant, Rosebay Willowherb, is plentiful.
The species flies in two generations, July to August and September to May, and can be seen flying around its foodplant in the sunshine.
The larvae feed on Rosebay Willowherb (Chamerion angustifolium). The first generation (May to June) can be identified by a gall (swelling) within the stem. The second generation in July and August feeds either in a seed pod with a small hole, or in a stem gall high up on the plant.
The moth was first identified in Britain in 1950, and whilst most records are from southern England it seems to be spreading north. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as Nationally Scarce B.
It appears to be uncommon in Leicestershire and Rutland, where there are few records. L&R Moth Group status = D (rare or rarely recorded).
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Species profile
- Common names
- Kentish Cosmet
- Species group:
- insect - moth
- Kingdom:
- Animalia
- Order:
- Lepidoptera
- Family:
- Momphidae
- Records on NatureSpot:
- 1
- First record:
- 15/07/2015 (Russell, Adrian)
- Last record:
- 15/07/2015 (Russell, Adrian)
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% of records within its species group
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