UKMoths Scythris empetrella - 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.
43.009 BF917
Scythris empetrella
Karsholt & Nielsen, 1976
[Synonyms: variella]Wingspan c. 9mm.
This rare and local species is currently known only from a few localities in Dorset, although it was found in neighbouring counties and there are also odd unconfirmed records from further north, including one in Scotland.
It inhabits sandy heaths, where the diurnal moths hop around amongst the heather, rather than taking flight. Adults are at large in June and July.
The larva feeds on heather (Calluna) or heath (Erica), forming a silken tube combined with grains of sand near the base of the foodplant, and extending into the sand.
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