Micropterix calthella (Linnaeus, 1761) Species
Last modified: Feb. 27, 2024, 7:36 p.m.
A common species throughout Belgium.
Details
- Classification
- Family: Micropterigidae > Genus: Micropterix > Species: Micropterix calthella
- Vernacular names
- Dotterbloemoermot (NL), Plain Gold, Plain Pollen-moth (EN)
- First mention in Belgium
- De Sélys-Longchamps E. 1844. Énumération des insectes Lépidoptères de la Belgique. — Mémoires de la Société royale des Sciences de Liége 2: 1–35. On page 24 (as Adela calthella L.). view page
- Status
-
Native
Distribution
Imago
This is a tiny species having a wingspan of 7–10 mm. It has bronze metallic forewings and a purple patch on the base of the costa.
Museum specimens
Specimens in nature
Bionomics
The larva hibernates and pupation takes place on the host plant in a sturdy silk cocoon.
The imago feeds on the pollen of many herbaceous plants but is often found in larger numbers feeding on the flower-heads of Caltha palustris, Ranunculus repens and Taraxacum spp.
Although the adults are flying in the daytime, they appear rather early to avoid hot sun.
Flight periods
The adults fly from early May – sometimes even already in late April – till mid June.
Observed on
- Substrates:
- Herbaceous plants
The larva has been found on the tender, young growths of various herbaceous plants.
