35.084 BF761a

Cotoneaster Webworm Athrips rancidella

(Herrich-Schäffer, 1854)

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Wingspan c. 12mm.

This species is described as an adventive colonist, first recorded in 1971 from Kent, and found to be breeding in suburban gardens here and in Surrey. It is a native of North America and is presumed to be introduced accidentally.

In Britain it feeds on Cotoneaster horizontalis, hence the vernacular name, but has also been recorded on hawthorn (Crataegus) and blackthorn (Prunus spinosa) elsewhere in Europe. The larvae feed on the lower epidermis and turn the leaves brown.

The examples illustrated from Surrey were both recorded in June.