Chimney Sweeper

This distinctive moth has sometimes been mistaken for the Small Blue butterfly. It rarely varies in colour but may become browner with wear. This moth is usually very active by day, especially in sunshine.

Size and Family

• Family – Carpets and Allies (Larentiines)
• Small Sized 
• Wingspan Range - 24-30mm

Conservation Status

• UK BAP: Not listed
• Common

Caterpillar Food Plants

Feeds on the flowers and seeds of Pignut (Conopodium majus).

Habitat

Restricted to chalk downland, limestone grassland, woodland edges and hedgerows in southern Britain, but is more widespread in northern Britain also occurring in wet grassy habitats.

Distribution

• Countries – England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland
• Well distributed and reasonably common in Scotland and northern England, but becomes much more restricted in distribution below the Midlands and into the south.  Occurs in Ireland, but also not very common and has only been recorded once on the Channel Islands.