Micro for confirmation of ID

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bobhelencoan
Posts: 657
Joined: Thu Mar 12, 2015 6:25 pm
Location: Waverton, Chester

Micro for confirmation of ID

Post 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
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GasMacc1
Posts: 175
Joined: Tue Jun 06, 2017 11:10 am

Re: Micro for confirmation of ID

Post 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!
stevehind
Posts: 2908
Joined: Mon Aug 04, 2008 11:44 am
Location: Higher Poynton, Cheshire

Re: Micro for confirmation of ID

Post 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
bobhelencoan
Posts: 657
Joined: Thu Mar 12, 2015 6:25 pm
Location: Waverton, Chester

Re: Micro for confirmation of ID

Post 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
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