17.016 BF253

Ochsenheimeria vacculella

Fischer von Röslerstamm, 1842

Wingspan c.12 mm.

Also known as the Cereal Stem Moth, this species was accidentally introduced into parts of the USA, where it became a pest in some cereal growing areas.

In Britain, it is relatively scarce, occurring in a scattered distribution across parts of England, where the adults fly in July and August, sometimes in sunshine.

The larvae feed on a range of coarse grasses, including rye-grass (Lolium) and cereal crops such as wheat and cultivated rye, of which they can cause wilting of the stems.