Elachista albifrontella? (Cumbria, UK) (1 Viewer)

[gillean55]

Hello

This specimen was found on low vegetation in a large area of rough grassland at the woodland edge in Carlisle yesterday. It was measured at just over 5mm in length, with FL estimated at just under 4.5mm. Elachista albifrontella seems like a decent match from the image shown in Stirling & Parsons, with the right dimensions and flight season. However, I'm not sure the colours are right, as it seemed to have a purplish tinge to it when I was photographing it, and the head looks more yellow than white to me.

Any comments appreciated!

Paul

 

[gillean55]

Having looked at other sources, I now think that Elachista luticomella is a much better bet:

Elachista luticomella

Although this isn't illustrated in S&P, it is mentioned in the text for E. albifrontella and so I should have picked up on it earlier!