Lesser Lichen Case-bearer - Dahlica inconspicuella

Alternative names
Lesser Lichen Bagworm
Description

Wingspan (male) 9 to 13 mm.  The females are wingless.

Identification difficulty
Recording advice

Confirmation by County Recorder is advised before adding a record for this uncommon species.

Habitat

Areas where lichens and moss are common. . The larva and its case are similar to the other Dahlica species and can be found on sunny rocks, stone walls, tree trunks, fences. Positions sheltered from the wind appear to be favoured.

When to see it

Cased larva grows from June to March when it is about 6 mm long. Adults can be found in April.

Life History

The case, triangular in cross section and tapered at both ends, is covered in granules of sand, with variable amounts of lichen and/or algae.

UK Status

An uncommon species, found from southern England to Lancashire and Yorkshire. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as Nationally Scarce A.

VC55 Status

Rarely recorded in Leicestershire and Rutland.

Reference
11.004 BF177

Leicestershire & Rutland Map

MAP KEY:

Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2025+ | 2020-2024 | pre-2020

UK Map

Species profile

Common names
Lesser Lichen Case-bearer
Species group:
Moths
Kingdom:
Order:
Family:
Records on NatureSpot:
1
First record:
29/03/2019 (Graves, Hazel)
Last record:
29/03/2019 (Graves, Hazel)

Total records by month

% of records within its species group

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