Cornwall "Micro" Moths

One of the smaller genus of moths, this tiny insect is only 5mm wingspan, shown against 2mm squares of graph paper.

Wingspan about 18mm. One of the "Longhorn" moths, but the female shown has relatively short antennae. A fairly widespread species, although not very common.

Wingspan around 16mm. This is one of the group of moths known as "Longhorns", as their antennae are much longer than their bodies mainly in the males. Female antennae, as shown here, can be shorter.Although jet-black in colour, this species has a beautiful iridescence when light reflects from the scales.

Wingspan around 16mm. This is one of the group of moths known as "Longhorns", as their antennae are much longer than their bodies. Although jet-black in colour, this species has a beautiful iridescence when light reflects from the scales.

Wingspan around 13mm. This is a member of a group of similar species, and can usually be found around woodland consisting of Salix (Willow and Sallow). To me, they belong to a group of moths which I call "Tripod Moths", as they always stand with their front and mid-legs together on each side, whilst the rear legs are put along the body, so from above they look like a small tripod.

Wingspan around 11mm. Another "Tripod Moth" which is quite common around gardens which have Ligustrum (Privet) or Syringa (Lilac) growing. They can often be seen flying along hedges like tiny flies in the afternoon sunshine. The wing patterns are very variable, but can be quite pretty when looked at under a low-powered microscope.

Wingspan about 11mm. A close relation of the Caloptilia species and also a "Tripod Moth", it occurs around Plantago lanceolata (Plantain).

Wingspan about 8mm. A fairly common species occurring where Quercus (Oak), Fagus (Beech), or Castanea (Sweet Chestnut) occurs.

Wingspan about 12mm. A locally distributed species distinctive with its "nose down" rest position and its rich chestnut-brown colour. It can occur around Fraxinus (Ash) trees.