Status and Distribution
Very local, in southern England, south Wales and Norfolk with single, old records from Cornwall, Lincolnshire and Derbyshire.
National Status:
Bradley & Fletcher no:
Provisional Map
Maps updated with all data received by February 2016.
Foodplant and Larval Feeding Signs
Origanum vulgare (marjoram), see plant distribution map.
In Europe also reported on Calamintha (calamint), Mentha arvensis (corn mint) and Mentha suaveolens (round-leaved mint).
Foodplant Map
Habitat
Chalk downland, grassland on limestone, railway embankments and roadside verges.
Finding the Moth
Larva: in a folded or rolled leaf which can sometimes turn scarlet in colour.
Adult: can be disturbed and swept from amongst the foodplant and comes to light.
Similar Species
A large, broad-winged gelechiid with prominent palps which, due to its bright yellow-ochreous colouration, should not be confused with any other species.
Larval Occurrence
Flight Period
Single brooded from late June to mid-August, rarely in mid-June and late August.