Status
Morley’s Final Catalogue: Very abundant along the coast at Felixstow in July 1902 (Mly), &c; and no less frequent on the Breck, where Farren found it to be rare in 1885 (Ent. 1886, 80), at Brandon, Friswell, Elveden, &c.
Recent Status: Suffolk’s commonest Caryocolum species particularly in the Sandlings.
Life Style: A single brooded species found throughout the summer and comes to light. The larvae feed on Cerastium fontanum or C. semidecandum. Initially mining a lower leaf before boring into the stem and finally in a silken tube on the ground feeding externally on the leaves. They pupate in the larval habitation.
Identification: The moth is a slightly broader winged Caryocolum species with discrete markings of black, brown and white along the wing. However the balance and extent of each colour varies such that predominantly black, brown or pale individuals can be found. From above they show a paler thorax and central area with a zigzag pattern. If identification is uncertain genitalia dissection is required. https://mothdissection.co.uk/species.php?Tx=Caryocolum_marmoreaVerification Grade Comment: Dark/indistinct form - Grade 4  | Retained Specimen / Photograph will be Required. | |
Recorded in 13 (22%) of 58 10k Squares.
First Recorded in 1902.
Last Recorded in 2023. |