Status
Morley’s Final Catalogue: Doubtless abundant on heaths at dusk in July, but rarely noticed: Southwold in 1897 (Ctw) and Worlingham (Crf) in the east; and at both Brandon (Barrett) and Tuddenham (Wrn).
Recent Status: Primarily an heathland species Pempelia palumbella is well established locally in the Sandlings and Breckland.
Life Style: A double brooded species flying at dusk and night and coming to light. The larvae construct a silken tube at ground level from which they feed, sometimes spinning silk part way onto the foodplant. Only species of Ericaceae and Cistaceae are proven foodplants. This amounts to Erica, Calluna and Helianthemum in Suffolk. Pupation takes place in the silken tube at ground level.
Identification: Pempelia palumbella has a steely grey, sometimes brownish grey forewing peppered with black scales. The median band is edged black and then by a pinkish brown band. The pinkish brown is also present dorsally at the wing base. There is a strong black discal spot and raised scale patch basad of the pre median band. The moth is variably white scaled particularly towards the costa.Recorded in 19 (33%) of 58 10k Squares.
First Recorded in 1897.
Last Recorded in 2024.
Additional Stats |