28.02 BF650

Dasycera oliviella

(Fabricius, 1794)

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Wingspan c.15 mm.

A scarce and local species, occurring mainly in mature woodland in south and south-east England.

The moths are on the wing in June and July, and may be seen in afternoon sunshine or early morning.

The larvae feed on dead and decaying wood, particularly that of oak (Quercus), blackthorn (Prunus) and hazel (Corylus).

It is superficially similar to the much commoner E. sulphurella, but has a more complete yellow fascia and shorter, triangular basal mark. It also shows more of a purplish sheen when fresh.