35.024 Dichomeris derasella ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775)

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Status and Distribution

Formerly very local with records from the New Forest, Hants (1850), Worcestershire (1856-57), Sussex (1872 to c1900), West Suffolk (1889) and Surrey (c1900-39). Last recorded on 26th May 1939 in Durfold (which is believed to refer to Durfold Wood, Surrey - R J Heckford, pers. comm.) and is now considered Extinct.

It has been suggested that due to the retiring habits of this species it may still be present.

National Status: Extinct
Bradley & Fletcher no: 865
Dichomeris derasella
Photographer: © B Sale
Location: nb French specimen shown as an example

Provisional map

NHMSYS0000502151

Foodplant and Larval Feeding Signs

Prunus spinosa (blackthorn), see plant distribution map. In Europe also reported on Crataegus sp. (hawthorn), Malus sylvestris (crab apple), Rubus caesius (dewberry) and Rubus fruticosus (bramble).

Feeds in an upwardly rolled or folded leaf, open at each end.

Habitat

Woodlands and scrubland.

Finding the Moth

Larva: the larva produces upwardly rolled or folded leaves with open ends but is said to be best found by beating.

Adult: unknown.

Similar Species

A large, light brown moth with prominent palps unlikely to be confused with any other species.

September, October
May, June

Single-brooded during May and June.