Abstract

The recent re-assessment of the status of Least Minor Photedes captiuncula (Treitschke, 1825) has resulted in an updated status to Nationally rare with a threat risk of Endangered. The Morecambe Bay limestone area has been identified as a stronghold for P. captiuncula, which highlighted the need for a survey to be conducted. Larval and adult surveys were carried out during suitable weather between late-April and mid-July 2022 within suitable habitat containing the larval foodplants, Blue Moor-grass Sesleria caerulea and Glaucous Sedge Carex flacca following standardised sampling methods. A total of seven P. captiuncula larvae were found feeding on S. caerulea in Lancashire, of which four were successfully reared through to adults and a total of thirty adult moths were caught at known and new sites. An additional seventy-nine moth species were recorded during surveys, some of which with Nationally Scarce status. The surveys identified P. captiuncula larval feeding for the first time in the UK, but concerns are raised that the adults of P. captiuncula could not be found at historically reliable sites. Recommendations are made regarding the continued monitoring of known sites and surveying new sites along with suggestions for habitat management going forward.

#Lepidoptera #moth #moths

Published 25/01/2023