I found a new garden inhabitant today - the micro-moth Phlyctaenia coronata (not the similar Phlyctaenia stachydalis).
Family: Crambidae, Subfamily: Pyraustinae.
Wingspan 22-26 mm.
Fairly common throughout England and Wales, and also Ireland, this easy to recognise species is often attracted to light.
The larvae feed on the young leaves of Elder (Sambucus nigra), Lilac (Syringa sp.) and Bindweed (Convolvulus sp.) all of which can be found in our garden. The adults can sometimes be disturbed during the day from the foodplant.
June to July is the main flight period, and the larvae hibernate during the winter, pupating in the spring.
