Aethes smeathmanniana

Alternative names
Common Marbled Straw
Yarrow Conch
Description

Wingspan 12-19 mm. The ground colour of this moth varies from whitish to yellowish but the species differs from several related species by its narrower forewings. The 'V' shaped markings are of a rust colour.

Identification difficulty
Habitat

Grassy areas where Yarrow is present.

When to see it

It occurs as an adult from May through to August or September.

Life History

The larvae feed on the seeds of Yarrow and Knapweeds

UK Status

Widely distributed throughout England, Wales and Scotland. In the Butterfly Conservation’s Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as common.

VC55 Status

Quite common in Leicestershire and Rutland. L&R Moth Group status = A (common and resident)

Reference
49.120 BF947

Leicestershire & Rutland Map

MAP KEY:

Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2020+ | 2015-2019 | pre-2015

UK Map

Species profile

Common names
Yarrow Conch
Species group:
Moths
Kingdom:
Animalia
Order:
Lepidoptera
Family:
Tortricidae
Records on NatureSpot:
85
First record:
13/05/2004 (Skevington, Mark)
Last record:
11/08/2023 (Higgott, Mike)

Total records by month

% of records within its species group

10km squares with records

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