Pancalia leuwenhoekella       Aproaerema sangiella
Limnaecia phragmitella
34.004 BF898  – Bulrush Down Moth  – Limnaecia phragmitella  – (Stainton, 1851)
Adult Micro:  CAT 1 – Distinctive species unlikely to be confused with others –      
PDF Icon – click for General Verification Guidelines  |   PDF Icon – click for Specific Verification Guidelines
Blue –  Generally Common / Widespread   
Taxonomy:   Micro   >>  Cosmopterigidae  >> Cosmopteriginae
Other Name/s: Bulrush Cosmet
ID Difficulty:  green  – easy to identify, generally distinctive and unlikely to be confused with other species.
ID pointers: A slim, slender moth with a yellowish-brown forewing with an indistinct brownish line from about one third with two white edged dark spots. A tufted appearance to wing tips.
Distribution:  A fairly common moth throughout the county wherever there is Reedmace. Generally recorded down the eastern side of the county.
General Comment: None Flight Period: June /  July /  August –  On the wing July – August from dusky into the night Moth Activity: Nocturnal   – and is attracted to light Photographed: Yes –  Photographed By: Tony Davison  © All Rights Reserved
*** Last updated on 2 October 2025 by RP ***
Wingspan: 16-22mm
 Food Plant: Bullrush (Typha sp.)
Specific Recorded History Dates for Common [Blue code Blue-coded] moths is not displayed/updated in this tab. However, all verified records for this moth are listed in the RECORDS tab below.
Selected Images:  Melbourne, Derbyshire – Tony Davison ©

34.004 BF898 - Cosmopterigidae - Cosmopteriginae - Limnaecia phragmitella
Limnaecia phragmitella
34.004 BF898 - Cosmopterigidae - Cosmopteriginae - Limnaecia phragmitella

 
 

Image Gallery

No gallery images found for this moth.


Temporal Distribution Chart
Adults: (between 1993 - 2025)  |  Immatures: (between 2005 - 2005)
(click legend below to show/hide datasets)
 

Distribution Map for Limnaecia phragmitella

Found 91 records
    ↳ from 2026+
    ↳ 35 from 2020 - 2025
    ↳ 56 from Before 2020
Flying
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

If the Map Layers function fails, just refresh the page and it should be OK after. Use the +- zoom on the top left, or on a tablet, use two fingers to zoom. Remember, the last layer you ticked is the one which displays the popup information - they sit on top of each other - de-select then re-select, to see the popup values.

Bedrock Geology ** indirectly affects moth distribution by influencing the type of habitat and food plants available in an area. In turn, this may affect the types of moths that can thrive, or where they can most likely be found.


NBN Atlas UK Distribution for – Limnaecia phragmitella

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Note – the NBN Atlas datasets are listed in the map below and vary in their currency (uptodateness) – however, the map does give a general indication of the moth's distribution across the UK.

Visit NBN Site


Monthly Records By Year: Limnaecia phragmitella
( data includes both Larvae and Adult Stages )

Monthly Counts By Year: Limnaecia phragmitella
( data is based on 'Adult' stage records only )

First/Last Recorded Dates: Limnaecia phragmitella
Adult-only & Anything [Larvae, Pupae, Adult, Mines]

Shading shows moth presence between dates

Click the colour discs below to Select/De-select as Required

Recordings By Year: Limnaecia phragmitella
( All data includes both Larvae and Adult Stages )
Annual Growth Rate (AGR): Limnaecia phragmitella
AGR: -1.68%   |   Total % Change: -30%

Hectad (10kmx10km) Coverage: Limnaecia phragmitella
( data includes both Larvae and Adult Stages )

Flight Periods – Indicative –vs– Recorded Data
Limnaecia phragmitella

Flight Period chart – the grey hatched area above, which can cross one or more months, pictorially represents the best guess we have for this moth's flight periods [month/s]. The coloured lines represent the actual months seen in flight, from site observation records received between 2020-2026.

Records Behind the Map and Charts - Limnaecia phragmitella – 91 records available

Listed by Year - descending - scroll across to see all table columns

Site NameTetradDateCountStageRecorderSourceRecordKey
upper cromford gardenSK25Y29/07/20251adultAshton, Clivevc57_irecords_extractiBRC44038699
Markham Vale South TipSK47K17/07/20251adultRadford, Markvc57_irecords_extractiBRC43666418
Belper, DerbyshireSK34N13/07/20251adultNewcombe, Davevc57_irecords_extractiBRC44235085
Findern, DerbyshireSK33A11/07/20251adultHallam, Brianvc57_irecords_extractiBRC43392127
Aston-on-Trent, DerbyshireSK43A10/07/20251adultWaldron, Robertvc57_irecords_extractiBRC43203286
Froggatt, Hope ValleySK27N10/07/20251adultBarnacle, Bryanvc57_irecords_extractiBRC43285782
Darwin ForestSK26X05/07/20251adultEvans, Davevc57_irecords_extractiBRC43066126
Woodland AveSK43R05/07/20251adultThorpe, Stevevc57_irecords_extractiBRC48391210
Midway, Derbys.SK32A30/06/20251adultWilliams, Michaelvc57_irecords_extractiBRC43042281
Allestree, DerbySK33P30/07/20241adultPlant, Stephenvc57_irecords_extractiBRC40190124
Allestree, DerbySK33P29/07/20241adultPlant, Stephenvc57_irecords_extractiBRC40188408
SandiacreSK43S25/07/20241adultpaul buxtonvc57_irecords_extractiBRC37665570
Orchid WoodSK43L23/07/20241adultBryce, Marionvc57_irecords_extractiBRC37476138
Midway, Derbys.SK32A18/07/20242adultWilliams, Michaelvc57_irecords_extractiBRC39954547
Woodland AveSK43R18/07/20242adultThorpe, Stevevc57_irecords_extractiBRC40044868
Woodland AveSK43R19/08/20231adultThorpe, Stevevc57_irecords_extractiBRC33497086
Melbourne, DerbyshireSK32S27/07/20232adultShervill, Andrewvc57_irecords_extractiBRC32080058
Woodland AveSK43R21/07/20231adultThorpe, Stevevc57_irecords_extractiBRC33496783
Markham Vale South TipSK47K12/07/20231adultMorris, Sidvc57_irecords_extractiBRC31570759
Woodland AveSK43R07/07/20231adultThorpe, Stevevc57_irecords_extractiBRC33496705
Woodland AveSK43R23/06/20231adultThorpe, Stevevc57_irecords_extractiBRC33496540
BelperSK34U21/07/20221adultEvans, Davevc57_irecords_extractiBRC35316657
Woodland AveSK43R19/07/20229AdultThorpe, Stevevc57_irecords_extractiBRC27846524
Woodland AveSK43R16/07/20221AdultThorpe, Stevevc57_irecords_extractiBRC27846493
Allestree, DerbySK33P13/07/20221adultPlant, Stephenvc57_irecords_extractiBRC48193510
Woodland AveSK43R07/07/20221AdultThorpe, Stevevc57_irecords_extractiBRC27846461
Woodland AveSK43R02/07/20214adultThorpe, Stevevc57_irecords_extractiBRC33498589
Woodland AveSK43R06/08/20203adultThorpe, Stevevc57_irecords_extractiBRC33501953
Woodland AveSK43R01/08/20201adultThorpe, Stevevc57_irecords_extractiBRC33501889
Woodland AveSK43R21/07/20201adultThorpe, Stevevc57_irecords_extractiBRC33501665
Woodland AveSK43R17/07/20201adultThorpe, Stevevc57_irecords_extractiBRC33501568
Melbourne, DerbyshireSK32X17/07/20201adultDavison, Tonyvc57_irecords_extractiBRC33554405
Findern, Derbyshire, DEAZSK33A17/07/20201adultBrian and Jean Hallamvc57_irecords_extractiBRC35163240
Wood Lane, Newhall, SwadlincoteSK22V17/07/20201adultBUDWORTH, Mr D.Danes_2019-2021535
BelperSK34N24/06/20201adultEvans, Davevc57_irecords_extractiBRC35553899
Pleasley Pit CP, PleasleySK46X07/07/20191adultHILL, Mr B.J.N.Danes_2019-20211451
Backgarden MarehaySK34Z02/08/20161adultThorpe, Stevevc57_irecords_extractiBRC33504956
Backgarden MarehaySK34Z23/07/20161adultThorpe, Stevevc57_irecords_extractiBRC33504779
Wood Lane,Newhall,SwadlincoteSK22V21/07/20162AdultDave Budworthvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001CP9PG
Backgarden MarehaySK34Z20/07/20163adultThorpe, Stevevc57_irecords_extractiBRC33504690
Sheffield, England, United KingdomSK38L19/07/20161AdultMella, Petevc57_irecords_extractiBRC9893048
Main Street, Kings NewtonSK32Y18/07/20164AdultSoar, Willvc57_irecords_extractiBRC34060045
Norton Lees gardenSK38L18/07/20161AdultMella, Petevc57_irecords_extractiBRC4415259
Wood Lane,Newhall,SwadlincoteSK22V15/07/20163AdultDave Budworthvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001CP9OX
Waingroves Wood Moth and Bat EventSK44E08/08/20151adultThorpe, Stevevc57_irecords_extractiBRC33505978
Jim Mart Nature ReserveSK36S22/07/20141AdultMahadevan, Nikkivc57_irecords_extractiBRC34906864
Backgarden MarehaySK34Z19/07/20141adultThorpe, Stevevc57_irecords_extractiBRC33507146
Shipley Park (visitor centre), IlkestonSK44H19/07/20142AdultBUDWORTH, Mr D., CLARKE, Mr D.A., SEWELL, Mr B.G.,vc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001COV2U
Backgarden MarehaySK34Z05/07/20141adultThorpe, Stevevc57_irecords_extractiBRC33506904
Not givenSK43S03/07/20141AdultViles, Ianvc57_irecords_extractiBRC1161599
Backgarden MarehaySK34Z08/08/20131adultThorpe, Stevevc57_irecords_extractiBRC33509459
Backgarden MarehaySK34Z12/08/20121adultThorpe, Stevevc57_irecords_extractiBRC33511496
Shipley Park, Mapperley ResSK44G10/08/20121adultThorpe, Stevevc57_irecords_extractiBRC33515969
Shipley Park (Mapperley Resr), IlkestonSK44G10/08/20121AdultThorpe, Stevevc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001CP8EG
DovedaleSK15K01/08/20111AdultD. Grundyvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001CP9TR
Backgarden MarehaySK34Z03/07/20111adultThorpe, Stevevc57_irecords_extractiBRC33513298
Bamford St,RipleySK34Z03/07/20111AdultThorpe, Stevevc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001COXQU
DovedaleSK15K15/08/20101AdultD. Grundyvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001CP9RX
Backgarden MarehaySK34Z10/07/20101adultThorpe, Stevevc57_irecords_extractiBRC33515048
Bamford St,RipleySK34Z10/07/20101AdultThorpe, Stevevc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001COTCN
Midway Rd,Midway,SwadlincoteSK32A09/07/20101AdultM.J. Williamsvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001CP5V4
Midway Rd,Midway,SwadlincoteSK32A02/07/20101AdultM.J. Williamsvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001CP5OM
Backgarden MarehaySK34Z01/07/20101adultThorpe, Stevevc57_irecords_extractiBRC33514837
Bamford St,RipleySK34Z01/07/20101AdultThorpe, Stevevc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001COT8G
Midway, Derbys.SK32A25/07/20091adultWilliams, Michaelvc57_irecords_extractiBRC41991086
Midway Rd,Midway,SwadlincoteSK32A25/07/20091AdultM.J. Williamsvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001COWUA
Midway, Derbys.SK32A10/07/200910adultWilliams, Michaelvc57_irecords_extractiBRC41990990
Midway Rd,Midway,SwadlincoteSK32A10/07/200910AdultM.J. Williamsvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001COSU6
Bristol Rd,IlkestonSK44R10/07/20092AdultS.L.P. Whiteleyvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001COZB0
Midway, Derbys.SK32A03/07/20091adultWilliams, Michaelvc57_irecords_extractiBRC41990922
Midway Rd,Midway,SwadlincoteSK32A03/07/20091AdultM.J. Williamsvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001CP4V2
Bristol Rd,IlkestonSK44R30/06/20092AdultS.L.P. Whiteleyvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001COSSA
Bristol Rd,IlkestonSK44R28/06/20092AdultS.L.P. Whiteleyvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001CP4T7
Foremark Resr, TicknallSK32H25/07/20081AdultM.J. Williamsvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001COSKP
Midway Rd,Midway,SwadlincoteSK32A25/07/20081AdultM.J. Williamsvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001CP4FB
Lathkill Dale (along woodland trackside), BakewellSK16Y04/08/20071AdultDave Budworth;M.E. Dawson;S.L.P. Whiteleyvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001CP41Y
Main Street, Kings NewtonSK32Y01/08/20051AdultSoar, Willvc57_irecords_extractiBRC34678563
Main St,Kings Newton,MelbourneSK32Y01/08/20051AdultSoar, Willvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001COVVO
Foremark Resr, TicknallSK32H09/07/20051AdultA. Davison;N. Topliss;W. Soarvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001CP2MV
Main Street, Kings NewtonSK32Y01/07/20051AdultSoar, Willvc57_irecords_extractiBRC34678562
Main St,Kings Newton,MelbourneSK32Y01/07/20051AdultSoar, Willvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001COVT0
Hadfields Quarry DWT ReserveSK18R18/05/20051larvaSteve Price @ Sorby NHS outingvc57_irecords_extractiBRC49621283
Main Street, Kings NewtonSK32Y04/08/20041AdultSoar, Willvc57_irecords_extractiBRC34678561
Main St,Kings Newton,MelbourneSK32Y04/08/20041AdultSoar, Willvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001COVPJ
Toyota Site, BurnastonSK23V28/07/20041AdultSoar, Willvc57_irecords_extractiBRC34678560
Burnaston (Toyota Plant NR), DerbySK23V28/07/20041AdultA. Davison;P. Precey;W. Soarvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001CP26C
Main Street, Kings NewtonSK32Y27/07/20041AdultSoar, Willvc57_irecords_extractiBRC34678559
Main St,Kings Newton,MelbourneSK32Y27/07/20041AdultSoar, Willvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001COZ66
Edgecote Drive,Newhall,SwadlincoteSK22V21/07/20044AdultTopliss, Neilvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001CP225
Calke Park (Betty's Pool),TicknallSK32R29/07/19971AdultVC57 Derbyshire Recordervc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001COZML
Parkway, New MillsSK08D01/06/19931AdultJ. Potts;S.H. Hindvc57_danes_bc_dataLC000334001CP10C

 
Pancalia leuwenhoekella       Aproaerema sangiella

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