The status and distribution of the nationally rare micro-moth Anacampsis temerella (Lienig and Zeller, 1846) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) in Lancashire in 2021, with observations on other Salix repens L. – feeding Lepidoptera

Abstract

The history of Anacampsis temerella (Lienig and Zeller, 1846) in Lancashire, as well as nationally and internationally, is discussed. An account is given of a survey undertaken in May and June 2021 to look for larvae of A. temerella amongst Creeping Willow Salix repens L. on the dunes of the Sefton and Fylde coasts in Lancashire. Twenty A. temerella moths were reared from spun leaves of S. repens, as well as nineteen other species of Lepidoptera. The information gained proved the continued existence of the moth in the Sefton coast, and allowed differences to be identified between the larvae of A. temerella and Anacampsis populella (Clerck, 1759). The species was not detected on the Fylde coast during this survey. Recommendations are made regarding habitat management and future surveying to further assess distribution.