Acleris emergana/effractana

[PaulHopkins]

This arrived in the trap last night. The diagnostic feature for Acleris emargana seems to be raised white scales on the forewing - I can't see any of these, but given that A. effractana doesn't occur in Cheshire would I be OK to record it as emargana, or would dissection be required? (I still have the moth).

Cheers
Paul

[stevehind]

Hi Paul

We have always assumed that all those in Cheshire are Acleris emargana and that Acleris effractana doesn't occur in the county but only five Acleris emargana have ever been confirmed, which is no where near enough to be sure.

The NMRS guidelines do suggest these two should only be recorded if confirmed by dissection, so if you want to save your specimen, then I'll check it for you.

Regards
Steve

[PaulHopkins]

Confirmed as male emargana by Steve now - thanks!

Paul