Monopis crocicapitella

Wingspan 10 to 16 mm. This species can be confused with its close relative, Monopis obviella, and indeed was only separated as a species in the late 19th century. Compared to that species, it is generally less distinctly-marked, with the dorsal streak being darker, and with more speckling on the forewing. However it is best to check the hindwing, which is pale grey in the present species, and dark with a slight purple tinge in M. obviella.

Monopis obviella.

Various habitats, sometimes found indoors.

The adults fly between June and October.

Like many species in the group, the larva feeds on dried animal and vegetable refuse.

It is thinly distributed mainly in the southern half of Britain. In the Butterfly Conservation'’s Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as local.

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