Vitula serratilineella

Checklist Number
62.060 [B&F: 1478a]

Verification
Record requires retention of specimen until confirmed, and may require dissection. Consult with CMR if unsure

Classification

Family:Pyralidae
Subfamily:Phycitinae
Genus:Vitula
Species:serratilineella
Authority:(Ragonont, 1887)

Suspected rare immigrant, or perhaps accidentally imported, from North America, where resident in beehives. First recorded in a London cacao warehouse on 18 July 1930, with one of unknown origin at Spurn, Yorkshire on 8 August 1997, and no further records to date. Not recorded in Hampshire or on the Isle of Wight to date. Wingspan 20-25 mm. Larva feeds on beeswax; no evidence of breeding in the UK.