Query micro

[SteveH]

Hi folks,

I don't get to see many moths until the middle of April but while out walking on Gowy Meadows this morning (16th February) I flushed two micros - one was Tortricodes alternella, the other is in the photo below and I've no clue what it might be. It's got cool looking blue eyes and a small tuft of blackish scales just behind the head - overall rather grey looking, thin and with no really noticeable features.

unidentified micro: Gowy Meadows: 16th February 2019

Any offers?

Cheers,
Steve

[JulianB]

Might he be another Tortricodes alternella, albeit with magnificently-coloured eyes?

Hopefully a micro expert will be along shortly!

Cheers, Julian

[melbellingham]

Hi Steve,

I would have gone for Tortricodes alternella also from your photo, but the only advice I can offer is that some of the Tortrix moths (the Cnephasia's for example) do have 'blue' eyes. Just have a look through Manley for examples. However, some Pyralids and possibly other families also have similar features.

Mel.

[SteveH]

Thanks John, Mel,

Mike Dale came to the same conclusion too so I'm happy.

If you put the two pots containing both moths side by side - chalk and cheese.

Thanks for the input.

Cheers
Steve