35.039 BF788

Bryotropha politella

(Stainton, 1851)

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Wingspan c. 12-16mm.

This species is distributed over much of the British Isles, though it tends to be commoner in the North.

The adult males are brownish-grey with several darker spots, and females are similar, though paler. Both sexes often show a sheen to the forewings.

There are similar species however, and care must be taken with identification; dissection is often necessary for confirmation.

The early stages are poorly documented but the species occurs in dry grassy habitats and is suspected to feed on grasses or moss.