Morley’s Final Catalogue: Not listed.

Recent Status: An immigrant species that was first confirmed in Suffolk during 2019.

Life Style: A summer flying species. The larvae feed on Andryala integrifolia that does not grow in Britain.

Identification: With the recording of O. laetus in Suffolk, the county possesses three Oxyptilus species. O. parvidactyla is the smallest at 12 to 15 mm wing-span and the scale tooth on the third hindwing lobe is large and long almost reaching the apex. O. distans is 14 to 21mm and O. laetus 14 to 23mm wing-span. Both have the scale tooth remote from the apex of the third hindwing lobe. In ‘British Plume Moths’ Colin Hart states ’Wing colour and markings are very similar to C. distans and it is not always possible to separate the two species on wing pattern alone.’. The characters given in his key have been used to separate these two species in Suffolk, unfortunately this has proved unreliable having carried out genitalia determination of two specimens that appeared identical. Determination by genitalia is therefore necessary for Oxyptilus laetus. More Info

Verification Grade Comment: Scarce immigrant

	Determination by Genitalia Examination (gen. det.) Required

Recorded in 2 (3%) of 58 10k Squares. First Recorded in 2019. Last Recorded in 2019. Additional Stats

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