Cosmiotes freyerella (Hubn.) Res., 1880-1978. Poa. Loc. and rather r.; perhaps overlooked
VC 18. 39 *Chingford (Machin, 1880b); 67 Tilbury Docks (HME & TGH); 88 Eastwood;
Prittlewell (FGW). Some or all of these records could refer to the next species. VC 19. 53
Quendon; Saffron Walden; 54 Little Hales Wood (AME); 60 Writtle A.C.
C. consortella (Staint.) Res., 1966-1980. Foodplant unknown. Loc. f.c, more c. than the pre-
ceding species.
VC 18. 57 West Thurrock; 78 *Benfleet. VC 19. 43 Park Wood; 54 Hadstock; 63 Great
Sampford; 64 Great Bendysh Wood; 81 Tiptree Heath; 83 Bures Hamlet (AME).
C. stabilella (Frey) Res., (1903)-1980. ?Agrostis. V. loc. and r.
VC 18.69 *Brentwood (VCH); 88 Southchurch, 1916 (FGW). VC 19.63 Finchingfield, 1978; 64
Great Bendysh Wood, 1980 (AME).
OECOPHORIDAE
A large family of moths divided into three subfamilies.
The Oecophorinae are mostly small or medium-sized moths, several of
which are brightly coloured. Many are crepuscular but a few fly in midday
sunshine. The larvae of most species feed on fungus or dead wood, or on
leaf-litter; some of those feeding on the last pabulum construct the portable
cases which give the family its name. Few only are phytophagous. Two species,
Hofmannophila pseudospretella and Endrosis sarcitrella, are familiar house-
hold pests whose larvae feed on almost any dried substance of animal or
vegetable origin.
The Chimabachinae are a small subfamily with only three British represent-
atives. The males are medium-sized to large, but the females are brachipterous
and flightless. Two species emerge early in the spring and the third, Diurnea
phryganella, late in the autumn. The larvae feed in spun leaves; the legs of the
third thoracic segment are swollen so that they may fancifully be described as
wearing boxing-gloves.
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