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70.092 (BF1757)

Spinach   

Eulithis mellinata
Adult: 3
Resident possibly extinct in D&G, was rare, local. UK BAP Priority Species. Widespread in England and Wales but declining severely in abundance and distribution since 1970. In Scotland recorded from a few scattered lowland areas particularly around the Central Belt but its current status is uncertain.

Identification

The unique resting posture of wings held out flat and away from the abdomen which is curled upwards, is shared only with the Barred Straw. The chequered fringes should separate it from the latter. Due to its rarity status a quality photo or specimen required for record acceptance.

Recording method

Flies from dusk, comes to light.

Life cycle

One generation. Overwinters as an egg on its foodplant. Pupation takes place on the ground or among spun leaves on the foodplant.

Larval foodplants

Larvae feed on Black Currant and Red Currant.

Habitat

Lowland gardens and woodland.

History

The first record for Dumfries and Galloway was in 1820 from VC72 at Raehills, St. Ann’s by Little, in 1906 for VC74 at Corsemalzie by Gordon and in 1976 for Bridge of Dee, west of Castle Douglas in the Rothamsted light trap there.  There are no photographs or specimens of any of the recorded sightings and certainly no verified records since 2011.

13 record(s) from 7 hectad(s) in D&G

VC74 VC73 VC72
Last recorded 1910 1995 2019
No Image Available
No Image Available
No Image Available

 UK Moths website - further information on species (with photos)

 East Scotland Butterfly Conservation website - national distribution maps and phenology

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