Elophila difflualis
Checklist Number63.1141 [B&F: 1346]
Verification
Record will require further evidence, at least a good photograph, unless CMR is aware recorder has confidence in identification
Classification
| Family: | Crambidae |
| Subfamily: | Acentropinae |
| Genus: | Elophila |
| Species: | difflualis |
| Authority: | (Snellen, 1880) |
Naturalised in aquatic nurseries through accidental introduction in aquatic plants from the Far East. First discovered in Britain at Enfield, Middlesex in 1977. Not recorded in Hampshire or on the Isle of Wight to date. Wingspan male 11-13 mm, female 13-18 mm. The commonest of several related species established through the horticultural trade, of which the main confusion species are E. melagynalis (smaller), E. manilensis (larger) and Synclita obliteralis (darker). Larva feeds on various aquatic plants, living entirely underwater, causing sufficient damage to be a serious pest in some areas.
