Gorse tip moth

Description

The gorse tip moth (Agonopterix nervosa) is a smallish moth species of the family Depressariidae. It is found in Europe and North America. The wingspan is 16–22 mm. Terminal joint of palpi with two blackish bands. Forewings are light brown, somewhat whitish-sprinkled, sometimes slightly reddish-tinged ; numerous dark fuscous dashes; two indicating discal stigmata, between which is sometimes a line of pale scales; an obscure pale very acutely angulated fascia at 3/4. Hindwings fuscous-whitish,more fuscous posteriorly; 5 connate with stalk of 3 and 4.The larva is dark bluish -grey; lateral line orangeyellow;spots black, white-circled; head black; plate of 2 black, bisected, anterior edge whitish. Adults fly from July to September depending on the location. The caterpillars feed on brooms, namely of the genera Cytisus, Genista, Laburnum (golden chains) and Ulex (gorses). Agonopterix is a moth genus of the superfamily Gelechioidea. It is placed in the family Depressariidae, which was often particularly in older treatments considered a subfamily of the Oecophoridae or included in the Elachistidae.