43.006 BF920

Scythris potentillella

(Zeller, 1847)

Wingspan c. 10mm.

This species was first discovered in Britain in 2014 when a larva was found in the Thetford area of Norfolk and subsequently several more larvae and adults were found in Norfolk and Suffolk. The species has possibly been overlooked, being very similar to Scythris cicadella, especially darker version of that species, from which it can only be positively identified by genitalia dissection. It has also since been found in East London, and may well turn up elsewhere where the foodplants are present.

The larval foodplants are Common Sorrel (Rumex acetosae) and Sheep's Sorrel (Rumex acetosella) and the larva creates a silken web in which to feed.

Adult moths can be found on the wing between May and August, possibly in two generations.