Tiny Moth

[digidark]

I spotted this tiny moth this morning. By tiny I mean it was 11mm from tip to tip. No idea what it is.

[Chocky]

It looks a bit like a: Dingy Shell Euchoeca nebulata

But I could be wrong

[ladylouise62]

I don't think it's a 'Dingy Shell' - it looks more like it's one of the 'many-plumed moths', an Alucitidae. But what a stunning creature! Such a pity that these micro moths are so small so you rarely get to notice their beauty.

[ladylouise62]

Yep, it's a "Twenty-plumed moth", Alucita hexadactyla... and does exactly what it says on te tin

[digidark]

It really is quite beautiful. I was amazed at its "fan" like appearance

[Chocky]

Well done Louise. I only thought it might be and it was difficult on the web at the shop.
Glad you found it

[Catherine]

Fantastic insect. It DOES indeed look like a lady's fan!

In fact, I think it should be renamed 'Lady's Fan Moth'!

[ladylouise62]

Good point, Catherine
BTW, I wasn't being that clever in working it out - I could see it was a plumed moth (d'oh!), and looked at the multi-fan moths. Although there are a number in the world, only 1 in the UK in this family, so....
Again, Ian, well-done for spotting it.

[digidark]

Thanks all for your info and comments