33.003 BF721

Ethmia pusiella

(Linnaeus, 1758)

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Wingspan c.30mm

Somewhat doubtfully a British species, there are a small number of records from Kent and Hampshire dating back to the 19th century, but it is suggested that these may have been erroneous or fabricated. There have been no recent records and if it was ever resident, it is now almost certainly extinct in these islands.

Abroad, it occurs in Europe eastwards to Turkey, but is usually rare and local. It inhabits waste ground, dry fields and similar habitats, and literature suggests the larvae feed on lungwort (Pulmonaria) or gromwell (Lithospermum), on the leaves and flowers.

Adult moths typically are on the wing between June and August.