72.068 BF2472

Lesser Belle Colobochyla salicalis

([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775)

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Wingspan 26-30 mm.

This has always been a scarce species in Britain, and is now believed extinct, having not been recorded in its breeding habitat since 1977. The only recent record is of one, presumably a migrant, at Eccles-on-Sea, Norfolk, on 23 June 1998.

The larvae feed on the young shoots and leaves of aspen (Populus tremulosa). June and July was the main flight period for the adults.