Going through the 'too difficult for me' folders of photos from earlier this year (31st August)!
I think I've narrowed this one down to geniculea or inquinatella. Am I right, and, if so, is it possible from these photos to decide which?
Thanks, David
Hello David,
ReplyDeleteThese two species can sometimes be difficult to tell apart but, although rather worn, for me your moth is Agriphila geniculea. Its two complete elbowed cross-lines are quite clear.
I know the books say that both are common. However, while that is true for geniculea, it most certainly isn't so for inquinatella in our area, the latter being far more dependent on habitat than is the "generalist" geniculea. In Bucks we have just over 70 records for inquinatella (that's a very low number for a grass moth and compares with about 2,500 for geniculea). Of the 60 or so post-millennium records for inquinatella, two thirds come from heathland sites such as Rammamere Heath & Stoke/Littleworth Commons so the preference is definitely for poor, sandy soils. It is found elsewhere and I have had it on heavy clay (once in the garden here and once in Bernwood Forest, both confirmed by dissection because they seemed such unusual sightings) so it shouldn't be completely dismissed, but the chances of finding it in your garden are fairly slim.
Thanks for your response and all the useful info.
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