Photo © Dave Green
Least Minor
Photedes captiuncula
Checklist Number73.146 [B&F: 2344]
Verification
Record will require further evidence, at least a good photograph, unless CMR is aware recorder has confidence in identification
Subspecies expolita is a rare Red Data Book taxon found on limestone grassland, south-facing hillsides and grassy clifftops in parts of northern England, where confined to a few sites in the Yorkshire Dales, Northumberland, Lancashire and Cumbria. Subspecies tincta is locally common on the Burren in Ireland. Neither subspecies is likely to be recorded in Hampshire or on the Isle of Wight. Wingspan 16-19 mm. The only confusion species is Cloaked Minor M. furuncula which is larger, with wingspan in excess of 21 mm; it has a relatively narrower forewing, is less glossy, and the postmedian line is very deeply bowed dorsal to the reniform stigma (MBGBI Vol 10). Larva feeds on Glaucous Sedge.
