39.004 BF907

Dystebenna stephensi

(Stainton, 1849)

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Wingspan c.9mm.

A rather local and scarce species, occurring only in parts of south and south-east England, with occasional records further north and west into the Midlands.

Preferring open mature woodland, the larvae feed in the bark of oak (Quercus), where their presence can sometimes be detected by their orange frass on the surface of the bark.

Moths are at large from late June to September, when they may be found resting on the trunks of the host trees.