Agonopterix nervosa


The gorse tip moth is a smallish moth species of the family Depressariidae.
It is found in Europe and North America.
The wingspan is 16–22 mm. Terminal joint of palpi with two blackish bands. Forewings are light brown, somewhat whitish-sprinkled, sometimes slightly reddish-tinged; numerous dark fuscous dashes; two indicating discal stigmata, between which is sometimes a line of pale scales; an obscure pale very acutely angulated fascia at 3/4. Hindwings fuscous-whitish, more fuscous posteriorly; 5 connate with stalk of 3 and 4.The larva is dark bluish -grey; lateral line orange-yellow; spots black, white-circled; head black; plate of 2 black, bisected, anterior edge whitish.
Adults fly from July to September depending on the location.
The caterpillars feed on brooms, namely of the genera Cytisus, Genista, Laburnum and Ulex.

Synonyms

Obsolete scientific names of the gorse tip moth are:Agonopteryx blackmori Busck, 1922Agonopterix boicella Depressaria costosa Haworth, 1811Tinea depunctella Hübner, )Depressaria dryadoxena Meyrick, 1920Depressaria costosa ab. venosata Kautz, 1930Depressaria nervosa Haworth, 1811 Agonopterix rubricella Millière, 1876Depressaria obscurana Weber, 1945Tortrix spartiana Hübner,