Opostega salaciella

Alternative names
Sorrel Cap
Sorrel Bent-wing
Description

Wingspan about 10 mm. The only all-white member of the Opostegidae in Britain, it is fairly easy to identify due to its very large eye caps.

Identification difficulty
Habitat

It inhabits open areas where the suspected foodplant, Sheep's Sorrel (Rumex acetosella) occurs, although the early stages have yet to be found in Britain.

When to see it

Can be attracted to light during its flight period from June to early August.

UK Status

Distributed widely but locally throughout much of Britain. In the Butterfly Conservation’s Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as local.

VC55 Status

It appears to be uncommon in Leicestershire and Rutland, where there are few records. L&R Moth Group status = D (rare or rarely recorded).

Reference
5.001 BF119

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
Sorrel Bent-wing
Species group:
Moths
Kingdom:
Animalia
Order:
Lepidoptera
Family:
Opostegidae
Records on NatureSpot:
9
First record:
18/07/2014 (Calow, Graham)
Last record:
03/08/2022 (Poole, Adam)

Total records by month

% of records within its species group

10km squares with records

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