Epiblema sticticana

Wingspan 15-20 mm. Part of a difficult species group.  It is necessary to examine the genitalia structure to be certain of identification. When this detailed examination has not taken place records should be submitted as Epiblema scutulana agg.

Epiblema scutulana and Epiblema cirsiana

Part of a difficult species group.  It is necessary to examine the genitalia structure to be certain of identification. When this detailed examination has not taken place records should be submitted as Epiblema scutulana agg.

Occupies waste ground, coastal localities and other open situations.

It flies in May and June.

The larvae feed mostly on Coltsfoot, initially in the roots and later in the flower stems.

Widespread over much of the British Isles, but exact status is clouded by the difficulty of identification. In the Butterfly Conservation’s Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as local.

Fairly frequent but not common in Leicestershire & Rutland. L&R Moth Group status = B (scarce resident or restricted distribution or regular migrant, but genitalia examination needed for secure identification)