
35.145 BF775
Neotelphusa sequax
(Haworth, 1828)
Wingspan 11-14 mm.
The distribution of this species follows that of its principal foodplant, common rock-rose (Helianthemum nummularium), which is confined to chalk and limestone in southern Britain, but extends onto base rich soils over basalt in N.E. England and well-drained mildly acid pasture and heaths in E. Scotland. The adult can be obtained by sweep-netting rock-rose in July.
The larva feeds in May and early June in a spun terminal shoot of common rock-rose (Helianthemum nummularium) or hoary rock-rose (Helianthemum oelandicum). The spinning is often a tight ball, rendered prominent by the exposure of the whitish undersides of the leaves. The appearance of the larva should be checked, especially when the spinning is less tidy, to avoid confusion with polyphages, such as Epiphyas postvittana which can be abundant on rock-rose.
Pupation is late June - early July among detritus on the ground.