Lesser-spotted Pinion (Cosmia affinis) at Wilmslow

[stevehind]

Lesser-spotted Pinion (Cosmia affinis) at Wilmslow:

A Lesser-spotted Pinion (Cosmia affinis) was caught in a 40 watt Actinic Heath Trap by Nik Ginn in her garden at Lacey Green on 26th August 2012. This is a rare species in Cheshire, especially in the east and I’ve only been able to trace a couple of records from east of the M6; Black Lake, Lindow Common in 1955 and Alderley Edge, prior to 1890. Elsewhere in Cheshire, a colony was found in recent years at Northwich and one was caught at Pensby, Wirral in 2003, with older records from Balderton and Eaton Park and Chester back in the 19th century.

It feeds on mature Elms which are rare in the east, although some exist along the Bollin Valley and these may be the source of this individual. Another county rarity, Coleophora limosipennella is only known in Cheshire from these elms at Styal Country Park.

Regards,
Steve