Twin-barred Knot-horn

Homoeosoma sinuella

The larvae live inside the rootstocks of plantains, feeding safely underground before pupating in a tough silk cocoon.

Scientific name: Homoeosoma sinuella
Taxonomy: Animalia › Arthropoda › Insecta › Lepidoptera › Pyralidae › Homoeosoma
IUCN Red List status: Least Concern
Population trend: stable
Biome: grassland
Habitat: Dry pastures, grassy hillsides, waste ground, and coastal cliffs where plantain species thrive.
Diet: Larvae feed internally on the roots and rootstocks of plantains (especially Ribwort Plantain); adults feed on flower nectar.
Range: Europe, North Africa, Central Asia
Size: Wingspan of 16-22 mm
Lifespan: 1 year (mostly spent as larva, adults live for 2-4 weeks)
Active: crepuscular
Threats: Habitat loss due to intensive agriculture, over-mowing of wild grasslands, and widespread pesticide use.
Safe to approach?: Harmless. This small moth poses no threat to humans, possessing no sting, venom, or biting mouthparts. You can safely observe it from any distance. If it lands on your skin, appreciate its delicate presence and allow it to fly away naturally.

Homoeosoma sinuella is a moth of the family Pyralidae. It is found in Europe.

Photo: Paul Cook, CC-BY, via iNaturalist