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of the Lepidoptera of Belgium


Nematopogon metaxella (Hübner, 1813)

A rare species in Belgium.

The larva lives in a small case of silk mixed with other debris, later becoming a flat oblong one. It feeds on a variety of herbaceous plants as well as dead leaves. The larvae hibernates in the case on the ground, where pupation takes place.

The adults fly in one generation a year; from June towards July. The moths are active during the day. They come occasionally to light. 

ID: this rather small species may be confused with the other light-coloured Nematopogon species, but it may be recognized by the relatively broad and well-rounded forewings. Other characters are the more prominent dark mark at the end of the cell of the forewing and  the pure white  frons (face). Males have also broad scales at apex of the upperside hindwings, while other males have only narrow scales. 

 


Belgium, Antwerpen, Schoten, 09 June 2006.
(Photo © Adriaan Peeters)
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Comments to Willy De Prins or Chris Steeman
© Flemish Entomological Society