Gelechiidae

35.071 Spike-rush Borer Monochroa lucidella (Stephens, 1834)

Local

Similar species:

Forewing: 5.5 to 6.5mm

Habitats: Fens, marshes, wet meadows, the margin of ponds, lakes and ditches, other wetland sites, dune-slacks and salt-marshes.

Habits: The moth can be swept from the foodplant. It flies in the late afternoon and later comes to light (often away from known suitable habitats).

Foodplant: The larva feeds in the stem of Common Spike-rush. On the European mainland it is also recorded from Reedmace, Wood Club-rush and rushes. It probably pupates in the stem.