Pygmy Moth

Thyris fenestrella (Scopoli, 1763) belongs to Thyrididae. Adults span approximately 12–15 mm. [1][2]

Black and dusky-brown wings carry yellowish or orange dots. Two transparent patches, separated by a narrow dark strip, interrupt each wing. [1]

The species favours warm, sunny slopes with clematis, often over calcareous soils. A 2015 record from Janowiec in eastern Poland came from a south-facing Vistula Valley slope. [1]

Of the offspring reared from a pair captured in Poland on 8 May 2015, one female emerged on 28 June and six other pupae overwintered. This demonstrates partial direct development under the rearing conditions. [1]

Clematis vitalba is a principal larval food plant. The Janowiec study also documented an egg on Clematis recta. [1]

A male and female were observed feeding on blooming hawthorn by day at Janowiec on 8 May 2015. [1]

Caterpillars make characteristic shelters by wrapping leaf tips. The larvae have a dark-yellow body, a brown head and numerous black warts. [1]

Keep the enclosure closed and display it in indirect light, away from heat and damp conditions. Handle the frame by its edges and clean only its exterior according to the maker’s instructions.