Morley’s Final Catalogue: Quite common on tree-trunks from Bentley and Raydon woods to Gorleston and Mildenhall.

Recent Status: One of the commonest scopariids across Suffolk.

Life Style: A single brooded summer flying species with a peak during late June. The larvae feed on mosses and plant detritus, usually from a silken tube. They pass the winter and pupate in a cocoon during spring.

Identification: The Scopariinae (Scoparia and Eudonia) can be difficult to identify. Some species are easier than others. Before considering wing markings it is important to note the size, the shape when at rest and the forewing shape. All forewing markings can be important but of particular importance are the white sub-terminal markings, the post median line and the stigmata. They possess orbicular, claviform and reniform stigmata. Worn individuals might not be identified except by genitalia dissection.
Scoparia ambigualis is a medium sized species. It has slightly narrower less rounded forewings than S. basistrigalis. The stigmata are weakly marked pale brown. The reniform stigmata usually shows a black ’x’ shape. The pre and post median lines are dentate but not strongly marked and there is a weak basal mark. The cilia may be weakly chequered. The sub-terminal line does not show a distinct pattern. Overall the species is evenly marked and coloured with just the reniforn ‘x’ being outstanding.

Recorded in 50 (86%) of 58 10k Squares. First Recorded in 1965. Last Recorded in 2024. Additional Stats

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