Oecophora bractella

Description

Oecophora bractella is a species of gelechioid moth. It belongs to the subfamily Oecophorinae of the concealer moth family (Oecophoridae). As the type species of its genus Oecophora, its affiliations and phylogeny (which are not completely known however) determine the delimitation of that family and subfamily. It is native to Europe, where it inhabits woodland. The species is not often found in the outlying regions; in the UK for example it has only been recorded from a few patches of old-growth forest in the English Midlands (e.g. Wyre Forest), southern England, and southern Wales (e.g. in the Wye valley). The adults' wingspan is 12–16 mm. Conspicuously bicolored black and yellow, they also have some iridescent blue markings on the forewings. The adult moths fly from May to July depending on the location; they are semi-diurnal and can be encountered during the day, but usually are active at dawn. The caterpillars feed on dead and decaying wood, and possibly also on fungi.