Morley’s Final Catalogue: Not listed.

Recent Status: A scarce local species in Suffolk, mainly in the north-east. The species is most commonly found at coastal locations across Britain.

Life Style: The species can be found all year round and also indoors. It is thought it may have originated as an adventive species on ferns imported from Japan.. The larvae feed on the sporangia and frond of a variety of fern species. They construct a portable case covered in sporangia and pupate in a tough white cocoon covered in sporangia.

Identification: The moth is a broad winged Tineid. The wings are a dark fuscous to black with a purple or violet sheen. The palps, head, a tornal mark and diffuse spots around the apex and termen are white to yellowish ochre.

Recorded in 8 (14%) of 58 10k Squares.
First Recorded in 2011.
Last Recorded in 2024.