20.005 BF409a

Argyresthia trifasciata

Staudinger, 1871

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Wingspan 7-10 mm.

This tiny but quite distinctive moth was not discovered in Britain until 1982, when one was caught in London. More recently the species has become widely associated with gardens, and are now regularly found in good numbers around conifers, especially juniper (Juniperus) and Leyland cypress (Cupressocyparis leylandii).

Although very small, it is quite noticeable as it flies slowly against the dark backdrop of the trees, and can often be caught easily in the hand. On closer investigation, the diagnostic three white cross-lines can be seen.

The moth flies in May and June, and the larvae feed on the coniferous trees mentioned above, causing the tips of the shoots to turn brown.