A family of micro-moths, of which about 26 species can be found in the Netherlands, is the Shiny-head Standing Moths (Argyresthiidae). The entire family consists of about 45 species. All species are small, with a forewing measuring approximately 3.5 – 6.5 mm. In the resting position, the wings are folded tightly against the body. Almost all species are, when in resting position, with the head close to the ground and the body slightly sloping up. The forewings are often glossy or bronze in colour with faintly colored markings. The head has a rough tuft of hair, and the antennas are thread-like, 60 – 80% of the length of the forewings.
Genus: Argyresthia
Gold-ribbon Argent – 2019 (NL)
(NCBI-index: 1.178059)
On a summer evening after work, I just went into a nature reserve and then found the first Shiny-head Standing Moth. The honour was for the Gold-ribbon Argent (Argyresthia brockeella). This striking appearance features a shiny, dark gold-coloured forewing with wide, white markings along the costa and dorsum. Sometimes, this creates a white crossband. The size of the white spots varies greatly. The flying period spans from May to August in one generation, and the wingspan ranges from 9 to 12 mm. Host plant: Birch. Dutch name: Sierlijke pedaalmot. Frisian name: –
Flying period:
Genus: Argyresthia
Triple-barred Argent – 2021 (NL)
(NCBI-index: 1.869483)
The Triple-barred Argent (Argyresthia trifasciata) is a tiny moth, and it is noticeable when flying slowly against a dark background. The head is white and the thorax is golden. On the forewing, three narrow white cross bands can be seen on the gold-colored forewing. The flight period spans one generation, from May to June, and the wingspan ranges from 7 to 10 mm. Host plant: Juniper, Cypress, Cedar. Dutch name: Cipresmineermot. Frisian name: –
Flying period:
