38.010 BF616

Elachista bedellella

(Sircom, 1848)

Wingspan c.7-8mm.

A nationally scarce species found in dry open areas, mainly on chalk downland. Although widespread in England it is commoner in the south.

The moth is bivoltine flying from mid-May to late June and again from mid-July to mid-August.

Larvae mine the leaves of Meadow Oat-grass Avenula pratensis from September to April and in June/July.

The male genitalia are distinctive showing long extensions to the juxta processes.