Spatalistis bifasciana

Wingspan 12 to 14 mm. The adults are quite distinctively marked, dark brown with yellowish in the terminal area and metallic blue-grey streaking.

Woodland margins.

May and June.

Much of the available literature suggests that the larvae feed internally in the berries or fruits of Buckthorn or Dogwood. However, more recent research suggests that this may not be the case, as larvae have been found amongst dead Oak and Sweet Chestnut leaves.

Quite an uncommon species in the British Isles, S. bifasciana occurs locally in parts of southern England and south Wales. In the Butterfly Conservation’s Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as local.

It appears to be uncommon in Leicestershire and Rutland, where there are few records. L&R Moth Group status = D (rare or rarely recorded).