49.382 BF1222

Strophedra nitidana

(Fabricius, 1794)

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Wingspan c. 8-10mm.

Distributed in the southern half of Britain, commoner in the south, and reaching northwards to Lancashire, there are early records from further north, but these remain uncertain. There are also records from Ireland.

This small, relatively unassuming species is on the wing in May and June when it may be found flying on warm sunny afternoons.

The larva feeds on oak (Quercus), spinning two leaves together and feeding between, causing noticeable blotches on the leaf surfaces.

Gen. preps (Dissection Group website):

• S. nitidana male
• S. nitidana female