Dichrorampha plumbana

Wingspan around 13 mm. On first appearance, this rather small species appears dull and uninspiring, but on closer inspection, it can be seen to have an attractive pattern of chestnut, metallic grey and black. There are other similar members of the genus and this moth therefore requires very detailed examination to identify it to species level.

Areas where the larval foodplants are plentiful.

It flies during the daytime as well as evening, in May and June.

The larvae feed in the rootstock of Ox-eye daisy and Yarrow from August through to the following spring.

It is fairly well distributed but quite local throughout much of the British Isles. 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).