ABH: 35.084

Status:  Resident

Distribution/Abundance:  Rare

Primary Habitat:  Mixed

Wingspan:  12-14mm

Flight Period:  June - early August

Observations:  Until recorded in Northants in 2021, this species was only known from a few 10Km grid squares in the South London area. It was discovered in Oundle following dissection of various specimens from a garden light trap. A total of five adults were noted during this process, strongly indicating that a local colony exists. This species is described as an adventive colonist, first recorded in 1971 from Kent, and found to be breeding in suburban gardens there and in Surrey. It is a native of North America and is presumed to be introduced accidentally. In Britain it feeds on Cotoneaster horizontalis, hence the vernacular name, but has also been recorded on hawthorn (Crataegus) and blackthorn (Prunus spinosa) elsewhere in Europe. The larvae feed on the lower epidermis and turn the leaves brown.

Confusion Species:  Adult requires dissection for confirmation

L.O.N.:  N/A

First Record:  2021, Horsnail