2 micros

[Tim_Ward]

There were a couple of tiny micros in my Macclesfield mothtrap on Friday night (at first I thought they were flies).

I believe the first of these is a male Elachista canapennella; I can dissect if necessary but I believe that the features are sufficiently clear to make the ID definitive. I'd welcome confirmation that dissection is not necessary.

The second is a similar size (around 4.5mm) but looks different and has very long legs. Suggestions please for what it might be. I thought it might be one of the Gracillariidae but I can't find an obvious candidate; once again, I can dissect as necessary.

Happy Easter to all,
Tim

[stevehind]

Hi Tim

I reckon they are both Elachista canapennella but as it's a species which requires dissection, only dissected moths are currently accepted.

Regards
Steve

[Tim_Ward]

Hi Steve,
I have now dissected both moths and they are, indeed, Elachista canapennella. I attach a couple of dodgy photos; it is just possible to see the 2 cornuti in the blunt-ended aedeagus (these features are much clearer on the slides I have prepared)
Thanks for your advice, as always.
Tim