UKMoths Elachista albidella - Distribution map
Please note that the NBN Gateway map service has been terminated as of 1 April 2017.
As soon as a replacement map service is available, distribution maps will hopefully appear here again.
In the meantime, you can get some idea of distribution from the NBN Atlas website.
38.046 BF630
Elachista albidella
Nylander, [1848]
Wingspan c. 9-10mm.
A relatively widespread species over much of Britain, occurring on wet and acid heathland and similar boggy habitats.
The adults are fairly distinctive with their dark elongated forewing spot on a pale ground colour, although there are possible confusion species, so genitalia dissection is recommended for definitive identification.
The food plants are various sedges, including Carex and Eriophorium, the larva creating a gallery mine from around late April typical of the genus.
There is a single generation, with adults on the wing between June and August.
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