Epiblema cirsiana

Wingspan 12-23mm. Part of a difficult species group.  It is necessary to examine the genitalia structure to be certain of identification. When this detailed examination has not taken place records should be submitted as Epiblema scutulana agg.

Epiblema sticticana and Epiblema scutulana

Part of a difficult species group.  It is necessary to examine the genitalia structure to be certain of identification. When this detailed examination has not taken place records should be submitted as Epiblema scutulana agg.

Inhabits such places as damp sheltered meadows and woodland rides and clearings.

Adults fly in May and June.

Larvae feed mostly on Marsh Thistle and Common Knapweed, feeding in the stems and roots.

Probably fairly frequent, but poorly recorded nationally. In the Butterfly Conservation’s Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as common.

Uncommon in Leicestershire and Rutland. The lack of local records is possibly due to difficulty of identification. L&R Moth Group status = D (rare or rarely recorded, but genitalia examination needed for secure identification)