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Micro for confirmation of ID

Posted: Wed May 05, 2021 12:16 pm
by bobhelencoan
We kept some debris after beating a blackthorn and a pussy willow tree 15th April. Tiny moth appeared yesterday. We think it is Argyresthia spinosella as it came form blackthorn. Would appreciate a confirmation. Thanks Bob & Helen

Re: Micro for confirmation of ID

Posted: Thu May 06, 2021 8:43 am
by GasMacc1
Looks good to me. Sterling and Parsons have Argyresthia conjugella and A. semifusca as the similar species, but your moth has the orange-brown tegulae, is the right size and was found on the appropriate foodplant.

However, this would be the earliest (by a couple of weeks) of only 27 previous records in Cheshire, so I would be grateful for any other opinions!

Re: Micro for confirmation of ID

Posted: Thu May 06, 2021 9:22 am
by stevehind
Looks good for Argyresthia spinosella. Argyresthia species can be easily disturbed from their foodplants but I don't think blackthorn has been worked that often, which would be why we don't have that many county records.
regards
Steve

Re: Micro for confirmation of ID

Posted: Thu May 06, 2021 3:48 pm
by bobhelencoan
The debris was collected on the 15th April by beating a blackthorn tree. The adult moth appeared in the container 4th May. The early appearance would probably be due to being indoors. Thanks for helping with the ID. Bob & Helen