Family: Glyphipterigidae Checklist Number: 19.007
Glyphipterix simpliciella (Stephens, 1834)
Cocksfoot Moth
A small micro moth, 3-4 mm long, so easily overlooked. They are on the wing from May to July feeding gregariously on flowers, especially buttercups (Ranunculus). The larval foodplant is mainly cock's foot (Dactylis glomerata), where the tiny caterpillars feed on the seeds, later pupating in the stem. A common species in Britain but becomes sparse to absent in the north of Scotland.
References:
Sterling, P. & Parsons, M. (2023 second edition). Field Guide to the Micro-moths of Great Britain and Ireland.