Status Rare.
Very similar to dark examples of S. cicadella, from which separated only by dissection of the genitalia.
New for Norfolk in May 2014 when a larva collected by S. Beavan at East Wretham Heath (Langmere) was confirmed by Professor T. Baran in Poland. (In 2005 Baran published The Scythrididae (Lepidoptera: Gelechioidea) of Poland)
The larvae were also found by Bob Heckford and Stella Beavan at several sites in 2015, three in Suffolk and two in Norfolk. (Winterton and Langmere) with adults reared 1-8 June 2015.
Adults also recorded in July 2015 at Winterton (S. Wright, 02/07/15) Three specimens collected from Winterton north dunes. At least 8 individuals were seen feeding on the flowers of hawkweed and sheep's-bit, so there's obviously a good colony present. S. Wright
Scythris potentillella (Zeller, 1847) (Lepidoptera: Scythrididae): discovery of the larva in the British Isles and other observations on the species. [Entomologist’s Gazette 67: 119–133, 2016] | Determination by Genitalia Examination Required | |
Recorded in 7 (9%) of 74 10k Squares. First Recorded in 2014. Last Recorded in 2020. |