Triangle Moth - Heterogenea asella
Phylum: Arthropoda - Class: Insecta - Order: Lepidoptera - Family: Limacodidae
The Triangle Moth is very small and can easily be confused with other similar-looking species, but when resting it has a distinctive triangular, tent-like shape. To add to the confusion some male specimens are very dark while some females are almost yellow.
This moth flies mainly at night in June and July in its habitat which is Oak and Beech woodland.
The wingspan of theTriangle Moth ranges between 15 and 20mm.
Distribution
In Britain and Ireland this moth is more common in the south. It is widespread but localised.
Lifecycle
The strange grub-like larvae of the Triangle Moth have short legs and a retracted head. They over-winter in a cocoon on a leaf or twig once they have finished feeding around October.
The larval foodplants of the Triangle Moth are Oak and Beech trees.
Picture: Rob Petley-Jones
Studying butterflies and moths...
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