28.023 BF652a

Harpella forficella

(Scopoli, 1763)

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Wingspan c. 14mm.

This very distinctive species had not been recorded in Britain until 2011 when one was discovered in Berkshire. The second British record is shown here, an adult that came to light in Ardingly, Sussex, in 2012. Since then there has been a further record in Leicestershire, suggesting that the species may begin to turn up in small numbers elsewhere.

The larvae feed on decaying wood and under bark of various deciduous trees, and possibly on certain fungi.

The British records so far have been in July and August.