Seq # 265550060

Scrobipalpa instabilella (Douglas, 1846) Species

Last modified: Feb. 27, 2024, 11:34 a.m.


A very rare and local species in Belgium.


Details

Classification
Family: Gelechiidae > Subfamily: Gelechiinae > Tribus: Gnorimoschemini > Genus: Scrobipalpa > Species: Scrobipalpa instabilella
Vernacular names
Variabel zandvleugeltje (NL), Saltern Groundling, Purslane Moth (EN)
First mention in Belgium
Janmoulle E. 1940. Notes sur les Microlépidoptères de Belgique. III. Relevé des espèces observées au cours de quelques explorations dans le Zwyn et ses alentours (Knokke s/Mer). — Bulletin du Musée royal d'Histoire naturelle de Belgique 16(39): 1–5. On page 4.
Status

Native


Distribution


Imago

Wingspan 13–16 mm.

Museum specimens


Specimens in nature


Mine

No pictures yet!

Bionomics

Larvae live in blotchlike mines. A large part of frass is ejected through a small opening in the mine. Fresh mines are very difficult to find. The larvae can leave their mine and and start somewhere else. Pupation takes place external.
Adults can be found flying around it host plants during late evening and at night, they come to light.

No pictures yet!

Flight periods

The adults can be seen from late June towards early September.


Observed on

Host plant (species):
Atriplex portulacoides

The larva feeds mainly on Atriplex portulacoides. Also reported, but most likely accidental on Atriplex littoralis, Plantago coronopus, Tripolium pannonicum, Salicornia europaea, Lycium barbarum and Salsola orientalis.

No pictures yet!

Habitat

It inhabits the dry parts of littoral meadows and saltmarshes along the coast.

No pictures yet!