Photo © Ian Wells
Dialectica scalariella
Checklist Number15.0201 [B&F: 0311a]
Verification
Record requires retention of specimen until confirmed, and may require dissection. Consult with CMR if unsure
Classification
| Family: | Gracillariidae |
| Subfamily: | Gracillariinae |
| Genus: | Dialectica |
| Species: | scalariella |
| Authority: | (Zeller, 1850) |
Historically a suspected rare immigrant from southern Europe but now an increasing breeding resident. First recorded in Britain, in Kent, in September 2004, with a second record on St Mary's, Isles of Scilly on 24 August 2019. Subsequently found to be resident in the Dungeness area in October 2022, the first confirmed breeding in Britain. Further records have followed in southern England, and Will Langdon identified it for the first time in Hampshire in November 2024, when abundant mines were found on Echium vulgare at Gunner Point, Hayling Island. Three days later it was found on the south coast of the Isle of Wight, where it now appears to be widespread. Wingspan 9-11 mm. Larva mines leaves of Viper's-bugloss Echium vulgare.
The abundance in each month is indicated as follows:
No records
Very occasional
Irregular
Uncommon
Off-peak, but not unusual
Off-peak, but not unusual
Main flight time| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Larval | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Records by week (adult)
Records by week (larval)
VC10 Isle of Wight
| Site | Date | Quantity | Recorder | Stage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sandown (SZ58) | 12/11/2024 | eight | Iain Outlaw | Mine |
| Shanklin (SZ58) | 01/12/2024 | six | Iain Outlaw | Mine |
| Ventnor (SZ57) | 07/12/2024 | - | Mark G Telfer | Mine |
| Ventnor (SZ57) | 01/03/2025 | one | Mark G Telfer | Pupal |
VC11 South Hampshire
| Site | Date | Quantity | Recorder | Stage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Baddesley (SU32) | 06/10/2023 | one | Ian Wells | Adult |
| Gunner Point, Hayling Island (SZ69) | 09/11/2024 | 100 | Will Langdon | Mine |