Adela Cuprela is tiny species of moths, member of the Adelinae family of micro moths often referred to as “Longhorns”, having antennae considerably longer than their 5mm wingspan.

The orange ruff indicates that this is a female, the male has an all black head.

Antennae in this family of 15 can be four times the length of the forewing, particularly in males, hence the vernacular name.  They generally fly in sunshine, sometimes in groups, and they rest with wings steeply roof-like.

Adela cuprella 8mm Very local.  April – May.  Flies in sun around tops of sallows.  Heaths and marshes.