See also Moth of the Week (25/07/2020).

Identification

11.008 Luffia lapidella and 11.009 Luffia ferchaultella were formerly regarded as separate species but ferchaultella is now regarded as just a form of lapidella. So the correct species name is now “11.009 Luffia lapidella”.

Recording method

Often found in large numbers on a single rock or trunk.  Only parthenogenetic (self-fertile) wingless females are known; no male has ever been recorded.

Life cycle

Larvae are present August-May, often feeding gregariously.  Adults June-July.

Larval foodplants

Lichens and algae growing on rocks, tree trunks and fences.

History

Luffia lapidella f. ferchaultella was first recorded in Dumfries and Galloway in 2020 from Ironhirst Loch, Dumfriesshire.