Selidosema brunnearia (Villers, 1789)

Description: Wingspan 37-43mm. Adults are usually greyish brown with a darker broad band along the outer edge of the wings. The males have large comb-like antennae.

Key Identification Features:

• Broad band along the outer edge of all wings
• Males have comb-like antennae and often fly during sunshine

Sets:

Flight Period: Fairly short flight period with most of the records from late July to mid-August however, this may not be an accurate account, since most of the records are based on targeted fieldwork at this specific period.

Status: A scarce local species, which until recently was believed to be confined to Mullenakill Bog NNR in Peatlands Park, Armagh. However in 2001 it was discovered on Rathlin Island, Antrim. It was previously known from Derryloughan, a small bog in east Tyrone, which has now been destroyed. Adults from here were thought to be smaller than average and had a narrower marginal band on the forewing. In view of these differences it was given subspecific status and adults from this area were named tyronensis. However it is debatable if these subtle differences justified this status. This race became extinct when the bog was destroyed.

Ecology: A heath and bogland species, which has been seen in reasonable numbers over the last few years. Adults are attracted to light in small numbers and the males are occasionally seen flying during late afternoon and are easily netted. Their distribution within Peatlands Park seems very localised and no individuals have been seen off Mullenakill Bog despite the large areas of apparently suitable habitat. The larvae are best looked for between early autumn and late spring of the following year on its foodplant Heather Calluna vulgaris. It overwinters as a larva.

World Distribution: Throughout Western Europe, Scandinavia and north Africa.

Bradley & Fletcher number: 1938 Agassiz number: 70.262

Additional information:

UK Moths account

Caterpillar: