About Micropterix aruncella (Scopoli, 1763)
Micropterix aruncella (Scopoli, 1763) is a very small moth. It reaches a maximum forewing length of 4 millimetres (0.16 in), with a total wingspan of 6 or 7 millimetres (0.24 to 0.28 in). The forewings are quite variable in colour, but are most commonly reddish golden. Females typically have no additional markings, while males have two distinct silvery white bands on their forewings. This species is found across all of mainland Europe, with the exceptions of Bulgaria and Portugal. Like other members of its family, Micropterix aruncella has functional jaws. As adults, they feed on pollen grains from a wide range of flowering plants and grasses, including hawthorn (Crataegus species), Cytisus, Lychnis, pine (Pinus species), Plantago, rose (Rosa species), nettle (Urtica species), Veronica, and numerous grasses. Depending on local elevation and latitude, adult moths can be seen active during the daytime between May and August. They inhabit a variety of habitats, with a presence in dry habitats such as downland and hillsides.
