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.

Chimney Sweeper - Iain Leach
Chimney Sweeper
Iain Leach

Chimney Sweeper - Lez Round
Chimney Sweeper
Lez Round

Chimney Sweeper (underwing) - Ann Collier
Chimney Sweeper (underwing)
Ann Collier

Chimney Sweeper - Ilia Ustyantsev
Chimney Sweeper
Ilia Ustyantsev

Chimney Sweeper - Patrick Clement
Chimney Sweeper
Patrick Clement

Chimney Sweeper - Vlad Proklov
Chimney Sweeper
Vlad Proklov

Chimney Sweeper - Garry Barlow
Chimney Sweeper
Garry Barlow