Argyresthia glabratella

Alternative names
Spruce Tip Moth
Spruce Argent
Description

Wingspan about 10 mm. One of two greyish, unicolourous Argyresthia species, this can be confused with A. laevigatella, although the present species is usually paler grey and slightly smaller, and the two use different foodplants, which be diagnostic, especially if adults are beaten from the foliage.

Identification difficulty
Habitat

Areas with Norway Spruce.

When to see it

Adult moths are on the wing in May and June, and are attracted to light.

Life History

The larvae of this species feed on Norway Spruce (Picea abies), mining the shoots and causing them to become discoloured.

UK Status

Present in south and south-east England, with a somewhat more scattered distribution northwards into Scotland. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as Nationally Scarce B.

VC55 Status

Rare in Leicestershire and Rutland, the Sapcote record of 10th June 2016 is the first for VC55. L&R Moth Group status = D (rare or rarely recorded).

Reference
20.002 BF403

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
Spruce Argent
Species group:
Moths
Kingdom:
Animalia
Order:
Lepidoptera
Family:
Argyresthiidae
Records on NatureSpot:
1
First record:
10/06/2016 (Calow, Graham)
Last record:
10/06/2016 (Calow, Graham)

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