Description

Wingspan 6 - 8mm. There are five fairly similar species in this genus, M. aruncella being the most common. The wings are metallic gold. The male has a complete central white band with an incomplete white band before and after it.

Habitat

A wide variety of habitats are used, the moths being unusual in having functional mandibles and can feed on pollen, often in Hawthorns or buttercup species. The larvae are believed to feed at the bases of herbaceous plants, or possibly fungal hyphae in the leaf litter.

Status and distribution

Common and widely distributed throughout Britain. Common in Nottinghamshire and at Netherfield Lagoons.

Best time to see

May to August.