Harpella forficella is a species of the concealer moth family (Oecophoridae), wherein it belongs to subfamily Oecophorinae.
Distribution This species can be found in most of Europe and in the Near East.Fauna europaea
Habitat These moths inhabit deciduous forests, especially on hedge rows and sandy soils.
Description Harpella forficella has a wingspan of 19–29 mm.Schmetterlinge-westerwald These moths have a brown-yellow wing pattern, which is only slightly variable. They have conspicuously long, upturned palps. The caterpillars are light gray and have gray spots and dark hairy warts. Head and neck shield are brown.Lepiforum.de
Biology The adults fly from June to September, depending on the location. They rarely come to light and sometimes fly during the day. The females lay eggs from late summer until autumn on the trunks of trees. The caterpillars live singly or in small groups on decayed wood, under bark, from September and hibernate till next spring. They feed on fungus mycelia on dead wood and take two years to develop. Albert Grabe Eigenartige Geschmacksrichtungen bei Kleinschmetterlingsraupen (Strange tastes among micromoth caterpillars) They have also been recorded to eat the sac fungus King Alfred's cake (Daldinia concentrica).
References
External links
Waarneming.nl Microlepidoptera.nl Insecta.pro Digital Nature J.K. Lindsey Commanster Nature Spot