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Homoeosoma nimbella
Sheep's-bit Knot-horn (Duponchel, 1836)
Pyralidae: Phycitinae
1482 / 62.056
Photo © Neil Sherman,  Great Yarmouth North denes, Norfolk. June 2017. Gen. det.

Similar Suffolk Species
Coast Knot-horn
Phycitodes maritima
Lesser Clouded Knot-horn
Phycitodes saxicola
Wingspan: 16-21mm
Flight: May to August
Foodplant:   Sheep's-bit (Jasione montana)
Nat Status: pRDB2
Verification Grade:  Adult: 4

Morley’s Final Catalogue: Usually considered a local coast kind, and so taken at both Southwold in June 1889 and Kessingland by Crutwell, as well as at Lowestoft in August 1922 (Ent. 1922, 258), but it was quite common at light inland, beside Fritton Lake during mid-August 1934 (Mly).

Recent Status: There are no recent records in Suffolk county but there is an established population just to the north on Yarmouth beach.

Life Style: A single brooded species flying by day and night and comes to light. The larvae feed in the flowers and seed heads of Jasione montana. They pupate in a cocoon and may overwinter as a larva or pupa.

Identification: Homoeosoma nimbella is a similar size to Phycitodes maritima and Phycitodes saxicola. It lacks the narrow dark costa of the larger Homoeosoma nebulella. It shows three faint black spots in the basal group with the one closest to the costa being closest to the base. Because of the similarity to some Phycitodes species genitalia dissection is required for a positive identification.

Determination by Genitalia Examination (gen. det.) Required

Recorded in 3 (5%) of 58 10k Squares.
First Recorded in 1889.
Last Recorded in 1934.

Latest 5 Records
Date#VC10k Area
August 1934+25TG40 - Belton/Burgh Castle
August 1922+25TM59 - Lowestoft
June 1889+25TM57 - Southwold
Further info: Homoeosoma nimbella
 
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