Beet Moth - Scrobipalpa ocellatella

Wingspan about 13 mm.

There are similar Scrobipalpa spp. that may occur in VC55, therefore confirmation by dissection will be necessary for worn individuals and isolated records. Should there be evidence of either colonisation or a repeat dispersal event, then records may be supported by very clear photos. In all cases, confer with the VC55 CMR prior to recording/releasing the specimen.

All specimens in 2022 to date have been taken at light traps and the habitat types necessary to sustain this species in our area have not been established at present.

Nationally there are two generations, with adult moths on the wing from May to July and again between August and October.  

As the vernacular name suggests, the foodplants are Beet (Beta vulgaris) and Sea Beet (B. maritima), the larvae feeding in an untidy spinning.

This was generally a coastal species with very occasional inland wanderers until c2019, since when movements further inland have occurred. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as Nationally Scarce B but the status may be in need of review in view of recent trends.

There were no VC55 records prior to 2022 when there was a significant dispersal event in late July and August, during which there were numerous records supported by dissection. It is unclear whether this species will be able to successfully colonise here, with North-East Leicestershire close to the Notts. and S. Lincs borders perhaps the most likely region.