35.067 Monochroa conspersella (Herrich-Schäffer, 1854)

The forewing of Monochroa conspersella is faintly tinged purplish when fresh becoming brownish black as it wears, and sometimes has a pale oblique mark on the costa (leading edge) at three-quarters. There is a general sprinkling of paler scales throughout, but it is otherwise quite similar to Monochroa hornigi and Monochroa elongella. When worn specimens are encountered there may also be the potential for confusion with M. arundinetella or Eulamprotes immaculatella.

M. elongella has white rings on the antenna and, when the wings are opened, an ochreous-yellow base to the abdomen can be seen; this area is fuscous in M. hornigi and M. conspersella. A pale band is present at the tip of the hind tibia of M. hornigi.

M. arundinetella usually has one or more small whitish costal spots in the apical third of the forewing but these are sometimes indistinct. There is a dark costal streak near the base of the forewing extending to the middle and the frons (front of the face) and labial palps are whitish.

In Central and Northern Europe, the very similar looking Monochroa servella (Zeller) feeds on Primula species including P. veris (cowslip) and P. farinosa (bird's-eye primrose). It is believed there are differences in the palps but I have not been able to translate the text. Habitat differences should assist if this species is suspected and photos of the male genitalia can be found on http://www.lepiforum.de/lepiwiki.pl?Monochroa_Servella

Being a small, dark fuscous moth with an indistinct pale costal streak (which can sometimes be absent), care should be taken with identification. Dissection is advisable if there is any doubt, particularly if found at sites away from the usual fenland habitat or outside the limited range of the foodplant.