UKMoths Metzneria aprilella - Distribution map
Please note that the NBN Gateway map service has been terminated as of 1 April 2017.
As soon as a replacement map service is available, distribution maps will hopefully appear here again.
In the meantime, you can get some idea of distribution from the NBN Atlas website.
35.059 BF727a
Metzneria aprilella
(Herrich-Schäffer, 1854)
Wingspan c. 17mm.
Although only recognised as a British species in 1981, there are older records which were perhaps wrongly attributed to M. neruopterella.
It occurs sporadically in south and south-east England, but also occurs in South Yorkshire and may be overlooked elsewhere.
Inhabiting waste ground and grassy habitats on chalk or limestone, the adults fly from May to August and are attracted to light.
The larva feeds on greater knapweed (Centaurea scabiosa), inside the seedhead consuming the seeds.
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