Anacampsis blattariella

Phylum: Arthropoda - Class: Insecta - Order: Lepidoptera - Family: Gelechiidae

This moth is found throughout the central belt of the UK, and has very restricted territories elsewhere. It appears to be absent from Scotland and Wales.

Anacampsis blattariella is black and white with a rather 'sooty' appearance. It can be easily confused with the similar-looking Anacampsis populella.

The wingspan of Anancampsis blattariella is around 16 - 19 mm.

The adult moths are nocturnal and on the wing between July and September. During the day they rest, perfectly camouflaged, on the trunks of birch trees.

Distribution

Found in parts of Europe and the central part of England.

Lifecycle

The larvae feed on Birch leaves from within a single leaf which is rolled lengthwise into a tight tube .

Picture: Rob Petley-Jones

Studying butterflies and moths...