40.003 Mompha lacteella (Buff-headed Mompha)
ws: 9-13mm (MBGBI4.1), fw: 4.5-6mm (Sterling & Parsons); May-Jul; broad-leaved willowherb (Epilobium montanum); NS-B local in woodland throught GB
ID: ID: M.propinquella is similar but has white rather than buff head, thorax, costal and dorsal spots; an the terminal area tends to be more blackish in M.lacteella. Genital examination may be needed to confirm identity.
Male genitalia: Judging from images at Moth Dissection, the key difference between the two species is in the cornuti. Both species have two cornuti, one long and slender, the other shorter and broader. In M.propinquella the shorter cornutus is rounded at the apex; in M.lacteella the short cornutus is bifurcate at the apex. There may also be diagnostic differences in the shape of the uncus and transtilla (more work needed)
Female genitalia: The key difference appears to be in the shape of a linear sclerotisation in the colliculum, which is broadened at its posterior end in M.lacteella but not in M.propinquella. There may also be differences in a sclerotisation in the anterior half of the ductus bursae and in the exact shape of the signa.
Male genitalia: Judging from images at Moth Dissection, the key difference between the two species is in the cornuti. Both species have two cornuti, one long and slender, the other shorter and broader. In M.propinquella the shorter cornutus is rounded at the apex; in M.lacteella the short cornutus is bifurcate at the apex. There may also be diagnostic differences in the shape of the uncus and transtilla (more work needed)
Female genitalia: The key difference appears to be in the shape of a linear sclerotisation in the colliculum, which is broadened at its posterior end in M.lacteella but not in M.propinquella. There may also be differences in a sclerotisation in the anterior half of the ductus bursae and in the exact shape of the signa.
§1 Surlingham, Norfolk; 24/07/2009; male; fw 5.4mm
§2 Ardnamurchan, Argyll; 11/07/2012; female; fw 4.6mm
§3 Skye; 05/08/2013; male
All images © Chris Lewis
§2 Ardnamurchan, Argyll; 11/07/2012; female; fw 4.6mm
§3 Skye; 05/08/2013; male
All images © Chris Lewis
Page published 13/03/2024 (§1-3) all previously presented as M.propinquella