ABC > Home > INSECTS > Lepidoptera (butterflies, moths) > Cosmopterigidae (cosmet moths)

Cosmopterigidae ~ Cosmet Moths

I have only found one species in this family and can only identify it to the genus Cosmopterix.
Cosmopterix sp.
H1469x Cosmopterix sp.
There are several very similar species in our area and I do not know how to tell them apart. One of the problems is that these little creatures are about 4 mm long, which makes them look like leafhoppers at first glance. The long antennae, though, help with field identification. That is, if you can see them! The metallic silver on orange, thin white stripes, and long spines sticking out help too.

The only place I have found Cosmopterix is in the large fiberglass enclosed structure known as the Greenhouse at Hornsby Bend Wastewater Treatment Plant. These small moths are found on the low vegetation right next to the ponds. Their larvae are leaf-miners and so I've never encountered them. Adults appear to be present throughout the warm months, but it is easy to not even notice them due to their minute size.

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