About Philedone gerningana (Denis & Schiffermüller), 1775
Philedone gerningana is a moth species first described by Denis & Schiffermüller in 1775. This species has a wingspan of 13–16 mm. Its antennal pectinations are moderately long. The forewings are yellow-ochreous with darker strigulation; the basal area is browner and lacks clear definition. Both a broad central fascia and a costal patch on the forewings are red-brown. The hindwings are a rather dark grey. Fully grown larvae are dull greenish, with reddish-ochreous heads. The larvae are polyphagous, feeding on a range of host plants including species from the genera Lotus, Plantago, Scabiosa, Peucedanum, Potentilla and Vaccinium, as well as Armeria maritima (thrift), Populus tremula (aspen), Picea sitchensis (Sitka spruce) and Abies alba (silver fir). Larvae feed in May and June on spun leaves and flowers in uncultivated areas. Philedone gerningana is distributed across most of Europe, excluding Portugal and the southern portion of the Balkan Peninsula, as well as the Near East, with its range extending east to eastern Russia. Its primary habitat is heath.
