Saturday, 15 August 2015

Another day-flyer to look out for

At lunch-time on Wednesday I carried out a survey of a small field in Lower Arncott, Oxon in which there was a huge amount of common fleabane Pulicaria dysenterica.  Found sitting on one of the flowers was an example of the micro-moth Apodia bifractella which, although supposedly common, I've not previously recorded.  The task today was to find it in Bucks so this morning I went to the giant ditches at Greatmoor where I knew there was plenty of the food-plant and, sure enough, on the second patch of fleabane I looked at there were four active moths.  The species is obviously under-recorded because this is only the second record for vc24.  It is worth checking any patches of fleabane for this little moth just now - contrary to what the micro field guide states my limited experience this week shows that it can be seen at any time of day. 

Apodia bifractella, Greatmoor 14th August

Apodia bifractella, Greatmoor 14th August

 Dave Wilton
   

3 comments:

  1. It's been reported on the Ceredigion moth blog this past week. Similar photos.

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  2. Because of your post, I looked at some Fleabane in the Burial Park yesterday afternoon; there were 3-4 of the moths. My pics are crap, though!

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