Gelechia sororculella

Alternative names
Eyed Gelechia
Dark-striped Groundling
Description

Wingspan 13 to 15 mm. A brown or blackish moth which is distinguished from its congeners by the distinctive white ringed discal spot splitting a black streak along the fold, and a pale angulate postmedian fascia.

Identification difficulty
Recording advice

Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required. If the photo doesn't show the key ID features then in the comments box describe the size and identifying characters you have observed. If possible the moth should be retained until identification is confirmed.

Habitat

Where Salix species (willows) occur.

When to see it

The adult moths emerge in a single generation in July and August.

Life History

The eggs of this species are laid on willow (Salix) species, most commonly Sallow or Grey Willow. The larvae feed in spinnings among the leaves and sometimes in female catkins, and can be found in May. Pupation occurs within the spinnings.

UK Status

Widespread, but rather local in Britain. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as local.

VC55 Status

Uncommon in Leicestershire and Rutland.

Reference
35.101 BF802a

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
Dark-striped Groundling
Species group:
Moths
Kingdom:
Order:
Family:
Records on NatureSpot:
1
First record:
22/07/2021 (Skevington, Mark)
Last record:
22/07/2021 (Skevington, Mark)

Total records by month

% of records within its species group

10km squares with records

The latest images and records displayed below include those awaiting verification checks so we cannot guarantee that every identification is correct. Once accepted, the record displays a green tick.

In the Latest Records section, click on the header to sort A-Z, and again to sort Z-A. Use the header boxes to filter the list.

Latest images

Latest records