Crambidae – Spilomelinae – Duponchelia fovealis – European Pepper Moth
STATUS – This is the second Derbyshire record, the first being recorded at Glapwell, near Bolsover, in 2010. It is an adventive species, which is generally thought to be imported into the country with cultivated plants. First recorded indoors in 1996. It is an endemic of the Mediterranean region and the Canary Islands, but is rapidly expanding its range.
ID POINTERS – The moth is marked very similarly to Mother Shipton Moth. Within the outer cross-line there is an obvious finger that points towards the outer edge of the wing. Sits with the tip of the abdomen pointing upwards. The abdomen is also marked with three dark bands and four thin pale whitish-cream bands. Forewings marked with various shades of brown being darker at the wing tips.
FLIGHT PERIOD – Usually occurs during May – June
IMAGES – Long Eaton, Derbyshire – Paul Buxton©
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