63.110 BF1324

Pediasia aridella

(Thunberg, 1788)

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Wingspan c. 23mm.

A local species, occurring coastally from East Yorkshire to Hampshire, and inhabiting the drier edges of saltmarshes.

The adult moths fly as a single generation in July and August and although hard to disturb in the day, can be attracted to light at night.

From September to May, the larvae feed on common saltmarsh grass (Puccinellia maritima) and perhaps other Puccinellaia species too, in a silken gallery among the stem bases.