ABH: 7.003
BF: 146
Family: Adelidae
Subfamily: Adelinae
Taxon: Nemophora cupriacella
Authority: (Hübner, [1819])
Vernacular: Copper-tip Longhorn
Account: Nationally scarce (Nb) in dry grassland and on downland throughout much of England; rare in Wales and Ireland. While still very rare, in recent years it has been found occasionally in the north-west of the Isle of Wight and sporadically in south Hampshire. Not recorded from North Hampshire for over forty years, one being found at Bramshill in 2020 (and not reported until 2023) was a major surprise.
Wingspan 12-16 mm. This species is parthenogenetic, reproducing asexually with males absent. Identification features include reddish yellow head coloration; yellow hairs on the palps; antenna base thickened with deep-blue scales, white antennae tips; thorax shiny greenish copper shiny, apex of wings notably retracted, golden, with basal half noticeably lighter.
Larva feeds on seeds of Devil's-bit Scabious, Field Scabious and Small Scabious, subsequently feeding in the fallen leaves, living within a movable case.
Wingspan: 12 — 16 mm
Surrey Flight Period: 22 Jun (2018) — 13 Jul (2008)
Foodplant: Knautia sp., Scabiosa sp., Succisa sp.
Status: Nationally Scarce B
UK BAP:
WCA:
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Verification Grade: 2 — Care needed to identify, an image may be required 🤔
Further Information: https://www.ukmoths.org.uk/species/nemophora-cupriacella/
* Based on adult records only.
Records: 5
Individuals: 0
Earliest Year: 1996
Latest Year: 2019