49.105 BF929

Gynnidomorpha vectisana

(Humphreys & Westwood, 1845)

Wingspan c.10mm.

A small but fairly distinctive Cochlylid, this saltmarsh species is known from a number of coastal areas around the British Isles, although it is less frequent further north. In some areas it can be abundant.

The adults can be variable, but typically show a diffuse dark spot in the centre of the forewing, more obvious in the plainer specimens.

There are two generations, with moths flying from late May to June, then again between July and September. Typically it flies as dusk approaches, especially in warm weather.

The larva feeds on arrowgrass (Triglochin spp.), the first generation on the flowerheads and the later generation on the shoots and rootstock.