35.059 Metzneria aprilella (Flame Seedhead Moth)
ws: 15-18mm (MBGBI5.2), fw: 7-9mm (Sterling & Parsons); May-Aug; greater knapweed (Centaurea scabiosa); NS-B local on calcareous grassland south of Wash-Severn line
Metzneria aprilella §1 male
ID: Once recognised as Metzneria, the absence of forewing stigmata > M.aprilella/neuropterella/aestivella - which require genital determination
Male genitalia: Aedeagus with few (2-4) (relatively) large cornuti > M.aprilella. In the other two species the aedeagus contains a bundle of many small cornuti. The sacculus of M.aprilella is also narrower than in the other species.
Female genitalia:
Male genitalia: Aedeagus with few (2-4) (relatively) large cornuti > M.aprilella. In the other two species the aedeagus contains a bundle of many small cornuti. The sacculus of M.aprilella is also narrower than in the other species.
Female genitalia:
§1 Heydon, Cambridgeshire; 09/07/2024; male; fw 8.7mm; 3rd record for Essex (Heydon is in North Essex VC)
All images © Chris Lewis
All images © Chris Lewis
Page published 17/08/2024 (§1)
