Psamathocrita osseella

Checklist Number
35.062 [B&F: 0750]

Verification
Record requires retention of specimen until confirmed, and may require dissection. Consult with CMR if unsure

Classification

Family:Gelechiidae
Subfamily:Anomologinae
Genus:Psamathocrita
Species:osseella
Authority:(Stainton, 1860)

Endangered (proposed as a future Red Data Book species) on dry grassland in widely separated localities throughout England, as far north as Cumbria and Durham. Last recorded in Britain at Cranham, east Gloucestershire in 1926, and probably still resident, but overlooked due to its similarity to a coleophorid (MBGBI Vol 4 part 2). Not recorded in Hampshire or on the Isle of Wight to date. Wingspan 11-12 mm. It is unlikely that records of this species will be accepted unless the specimen is retained for examination. Larva feeds on Wild Marjoram.