28.008 Metalampra italica (Italian Bark Moth)
ws: ~12mm (UK Moths), ws: 13-14mm (Norfolk Moths, Hants Moths), fw 7mm (Sterling & Parsons); Jul-Aug; dead wood of oak; rare migrant or adventive, first British record in Devon in 2003, 19 records from scattered southern counties by end 2016 and probably now breeding in UK. Previously only known from Italy.
Metalampra italica §1 male
ID: Forewing pattern is very similar to another European species, M.cinnamomea, which occurs more widely on the near continent, but has not (yet) been recorded in Britain. M.cinnamomea has a darker brown forewing ground colour with more extensive yellow markings. Most web images of M.italica show a small yellow tornal spot, while those of M.cinnamomea show the tornal spot extending ~ halfway across the wing, towards the costa and overlapping (proximal to) the costal spot.
§1 Orlestone Forest, Kent; 11/07/2018; male; fw 5.4mm
§2 Orlestone Forest, Kent; 12/08/2020; female; fw 6.4mm
§3 Westcliff-on-sea, Essex; 18/07/2024
All images © Chris Lewis
§2 Orlestone Forest, Kent; 12/08/2020; female; fw 6.4mm
§3 Westcliff-on-sea, Essex; 18/07/2024
All images © Chris Lewis
Page published 28/07/2017 (§1) | previous §1 (worn) replaced 16/09/2018 | dissection images of §1 added 19/05/2019 | §2 added 07/02/2021 |
§3 added 11/10/2024
§3 added 11/10/2024
