Micromoths in the UK

There are 2500 or so species of moths in the UK

of which about 1700 are classed as 'micromoths'. Only about 800 are the larger 'macromoths'. The micromoths are mainly very small, and are often highly camouflaged but not very brightly coloured.

But there are exceptions - here are a few larger and brighter micromoths.

Small Magpie Moth .. a common moth whose larva feeds on nettles
China-mark Moth .. the larvae of this moth live under water!
Green Oak Tortrix .. the larvae cause the massive attacks on oak leaves in the spring
Garden Pebble .. a large micromoth whose caterpillars feed on the cabbage family.
Mother of Pearl .. a beautiful moth with a sheen like the mother of pearl in mussel shells
Longhorn moth Adela reaumurella .. this tiny metallic moth with long antennae swarms round blossoms in the spring.
Gold Fringe Moth .. this brightly coloured moth lives round grassy places
White Plume Moth .. the plume moths have extraordinary wings, this is one of the commonest.

Gallery of UK Micromoths

Click on the first image to enlarge it and scroll through the photos by hovering the mouse over each image and clicking on the 'next' button that will appear on the right hand side of it.