Monday, 6 August 2018

A couple more micros

The first of these is probably the smallest moth I have ever caught. Less than 3mm in length. From the yellow head I wondered about Elachista luticomella but it seems too small. The second image is of the dead moth.



The second I thought could be Swammerdamia pyrella. Approx. 5mm in length.


Both moths from Friday night.

Andy Newbold, Sibford Ferris, Oxon.

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2 comments:

  1. Dave Wilton6 August 2018 at 13:39

    Hi Andy, the first is a Nepticulid - note the eye-caps - which accounts for its small size. Very few adults can be ID'd on sight so it will need dissection to confirm, assuming that it is a male (females can't be done). This group are far easier to identify from their larval leaf-mines but it would be good to get an adult record if you can!

    In the photo of your second moth there does seem to be a vague hint of coppery scales around the termen, which as you say would indicate pyrella, but you may be able to confirm that more clearly on the actual specimen.

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  2. Andy Newbold6 August 2018 at 16:04

    Thanks. Having cleared my freezer of moths this will be the start of the next batch.

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