Micro ID, Cumbria UK (3 Viewers)

[gillean55]

Hello

I found this 7-8mm long micro at the edge of a South Solway moss yesterday. Cydia servillana is the best match I've managed to find, but there are too many discrepancies.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks

Paul

 

[Richard D]

Pretty sure you're right on Cydia but not sure which.

 

[loiner]

Cydia ulicetana is another possibility but as the English name suggests it is strongly associated with Gorse bushes.

 

[gillean55]

Many thanks loiner (and also Richard) - I think you've nailed it! There were numerous gorse bushes along the path where the moth was found. Also I found several of them and according to my field guide they can be abundant around gorse in the sunshine (and the sun was actually shining for once). They are also on the wing in May up here. I've attached a photo of a second specimen (the photo has been rotated to make it easier to identify) and it's actually a closer match to the image shown in Sterling & Parsons!

Thanks again

Paul

 

[Harrybongo]

Hi. I think the first pic is Cydia succedana, and the second, Cydia ulicetana. I'm not sure if they're classed as the same species or not? I believe, it's quite variable? Could someone please clarify for me. Thanks

 

[gillean55]

All I know is that in my Stirling & Parsons field guide under C. succedana it just says see C. ulicetana!

 

[Harrybongo]

All I know is that in my Stirling & Parsons field guide under C. succedana it just says see C. ulicetana!

Hi. Yeah, snap! same as in my Sterling/parsons/Lewington. Thanks for the reply. 👍