63.115 BF1331

Water Veneer Acentria ephemerella

([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775)

[Synonyms: Acentria nivea]

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Wingspan 11-13 mm.

A small and unassuming species which however has a remarkable life history, living in and around ponds and slow moving waters.

The larvae are entirely aquatic, feeding on various aquatic plants such as pondweeds (Potomogeton spp.) and Canadian waterweed (Elodea canadensis).

There are two forms of the female; one wingless, which lives under the water, and one winged. The fully-winged males mate with the females usually on the surface of the water.

Fairly common in suitable habitats throughout the British Isles, the flight period is from June to August.