35.009 BF850

Syncopacma polychromella

(Rebel, 1902)

Wingspan c. 7-10mm.

Until recently there had only been two records of this species in Britain; the first in 1952 in Kent, and a second in Surrey.

The circumstances of the records, both in February, suggest that these may be accidental introductions.

Since 1999 there has been just a handful of records from the south and south-west, in May and June, which may indicate a natural influx from the continent.

The adult moth is rather distinctive, and does not have any real confusion species in Britain. Abroad, it occurs in Europe and the Middle East.