Longhorn Moth (Adela reaumurella)

This is a small, day flying moth but with incredible antennae. In the male they are four times as long as the moth's body, the female's are much shorter. You have to wonder how on earth they manage to fly with these long appendages emanating from their head! It is easy to see why they have the coloquial name of 'loghorn' moths.

These moths have a short season and can be seen on bright, sunny days in May when they dance in whirling swarms, usually under the newly emerged leaves of Oak, and sometimes Beech and Hazel. Eggs are laid on the oak and the caterpillars feed on dry fallen leaves.

Not uncommon and on a good day you can encounter swarm after swarm as you walk through decidous woodland.

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