Gelechiidae Monochroa sp.

JRsbugs · #1 (**permalink**) 09-01-2011, 08:54 PM

Hello,

Fun with this one, I noted it had two sets of dark spots, it looks like a Monochroa sp. and the one I came across with two sets of dark spots is Monochroa divisella.

But, that is very rare and said to be only around the Norfolk fens although there was an odd older record from both Yorshire and Somerset.

The colour does fit, as stated on UK Moths:

Quote:

The adult moths are distinctive with their two-tone ochreous forewings sporting two distinct black spots on each. They fly in June and July and are attracted to light.

That all fits, and I found from the Hants Moths site the larvae feed on yellow flag Iris of which I have loads in the drain, part of my garden.

The only thing I think doesn't fit is the top spots, which are more short streaks and can just be seen (the right side antenna is covering one) look to be lower than on the pics I have seen.

There are a lot of Monochroa sp. listed on UK Moths which don't have photos, does anyone with experience know more? I only got one shot of this at night on the window on 29th June 2010.

Janet

peter2009 · #2 (**permalink**) 10-01-2011, 08:07 PM

Janet,
Could it be Metzneria lappella.

peter

JRsbugs · #3 (**permalink**) 01-03-2011, 09:45 PM

Hi Peter,

Sorry for the extremely slow reply, I had problems with my IP with a package change and in the end had to go to another IP after over 6 weeks, just got back online! I was cut off at midnight on 9th January!

Yes I think you are right with Metzneria lappella, it's one I had in 2009 and it does have those thick 'thing's on the head (my memory has gone after being offline for so long!)

. The pattern isn't showing the same but all else seems correct so it's probably variable or worn. Thanks!