NORTHERN CRESCENT

ADULT: Wingspan up to 17mm. A small micro moth with brown forewings that are marked with an obvious white crescent short, just besides this mark there is a silver-coloured cross-strip and four drop-shaped black spots. Along the front edge of the wings are a small series of white cross spots. The hindwings are brownish but paler towards the base. LARVAE: The larvae feed in June to August in spun leaves and then in the seed-pods. Infested pods show a yellow discoloration at the base. The larvae then overwinter when full-grown in a cocoon in the pod or amongst leaf-litter. BEHAVIOUR:  The adult moth is prone to flying in full sunshine and can be easily disturbed through the day. HABITAT: Prefers bare ground with sparse vegetation, grassy banks, hillsides, hedgerows and low cut meadows.  FLIGHT PERIOD: On the wing during May and June. STATUS: Fairly well spread from south Wales to northern Scotland.