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.
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| Apodia bifractella, Greatmoor 14th August |
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| Apodia bifractella, Greatmoor 14th August |
Dave Wilton
It's been reported on the Ceredigion moth blog this past week. Similar photos.
ReplyDeleteBecause 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!
ReplyDeleteNice one Dave, thanks for looking!
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