Photo © Laurie Evans

Monochroa elongella

Checklist Number
35.069 [B&F: 0743]

Verification
Record requires retention of specimen until confirmed, and may require dissection. Consult with CMR if unsure

Classification

Family:Gelechiidae
Subfamily:Anomologinae
Genus:Monochroa
Species:elongella
Authority:(Heinemann, 1870)

Rare, found in several widely scattered locaties in Wales and south of a line from the Severn to the Wash in England. Predominantly associated with coastal sand dunes but has also been found well inland on sparsely vegetated chalk grassland (Gelechiid Recording Scheme). Not reliably recorded in Hampshire or on the Isle of Wight to date, but records from Wiltshire, such as the one illustrated suggest that there is a possibility it may be found on the South Downs. Wingspan 12-15 mm. One of several similar, rather nondescript gelechiids, which can only be reliably identified by dissection of the genitalia. Larva feeds within stems of Silverweed.