Family Pyralidae » Subfamily Galleriinae » Aphomia sociella (Linnaeus, 1758) 62.001 (BF1428)
Forewing length 12-18 mm. The females are usually larger than the males, and the species is sexually dimorphic with the male being paler than the browner female. Although there may be some character variations in this moth, the males have creamy whitish coloured forewings, head and thorax. The forewing has small elongated dark spots along the outer margin. The female forewing is browner with conspicuous black discal spots, two on each wing, one larger than the other. Both sexes can express mixed pinkish, purplish, brownish and greenish hues in forewing colouration and patternation. which helps aid it in camouflage. They also have a tendency to roll rather than fold their wings when at rest. The larva live in bumblebee and wasp nests feeding on the comb and the brood itself. The adult flies June to August. Rests during the day in vegetation, and attracted by light at night. Found in various habitats, including wooded areas, scrub and gardens. A widespread and common species throughout Britain.
Attracted to moth trap in back garden, South Staffordshire. Photos © Peter Hillman. Species identification confirmed and recorded by an expert from iRecord.
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