About the Marsh Marigold Moth
Micropterix calthella, the marsh marigold moth, is a species of moth belonging to the family Micropterigidae. It is found in damp habitats throughout Europe (except for the far south) and is also distributed eastwards to central Siberia. It was first described by Carl Linnaeus in 1761 as Phalaena calthella.
Pupae are brown with dark oculi and paler abdominal segments. Adults are small, with a forewing length of up to 4.6 millimetres (0.18 in) and a wingspan of 8–10 millimetres (0.31–0.39 in). The species is more plainly marked than many other European species of Micropterix, and has dark bronze-coloured (or pale shining bronzy-golden) forewings with a purple sheen in places and distinctive purple bases. The hindwings are rather dark bronzy-grey. The head is deep ferruginous-yellow.
Eggs are laid amongst vegetation on the soil surface. They are translucent white turning grey, prior to hatching. The larvae feed on tender, young growth of herbacaeous plants and pupate in a tough, silken cocoon. Like other members of the family, Micropterix calthella has functional jaws in its imaginal stage. As adult, it feeds on pollen grains from a wide variety of plants... Wikipedia →