Photo © Andy Mitchell
Scythris potentillella
Checklist Number43.006 [B&F: 0920]
Verification
Record requires retention of specimen until confirmed, and may require dissection. Consult with CMR if unsure
Classification
| Family: | Scythrididae |
| Subfamily: | Scythridinae |
| Genus: | Scythris |
| Species: | potentillella |
| Authority: | (Zeller, 1847) |
This species was first discovered in Britain in 2014 when a larva was found in Thetford, Norfolk and subsequently at other sites in Norfolk and Suffolk. It has since been found in other areas of east and south England, and has either been overlooked, or is undergoing range expansion.
Adult moths can be found on the wing between May and August, possibly in two generations.
Very similar to dark examples of S. cicadella, from which separated only by dissection of the genitalia. Larva feeds on Common Sorrel and Sheep's Sorrel, living within a silken web.
The author is aware of one record from Shortheath Common (VC12) dating from 2015, which is pending. It is not uncommon at scattered sites in Berkshire and Surrey, and further exploration in the north-east of Hampshire will almost certainly result in further populations being found.
Adult moths can be found on the wing between May and August, possibly in two generations.
Very similar to dark examples of S. cicadella, from which separated only by dissection of the genitalia. Larva feeds on Common Sorrel and Sheep's Sorrel, living within a silken web.
The author is aware of one record from Shortheath Common (VC12) dating from 2015, which is pending. It is not uncommon at scattered sites in Berkshire and Surrey, and further exploration in the north-east of Hampshire will almost certainly result in further populations being found.
