11.02.2015

Atemelia torquatella (Lepidoptera): a new genus for the Iberian Peninsula

Atemelia torquatella belongs to the family Praydidae (formerly a subfamily of Yponomeutidae).
Usually the larvae feeds on Betula or Ulmus making a big clear blotch that can have multiple specimens feeding inside. The frass is ejected and the larvae can leave the leaf to find another one.

A few weeks ago with Martin Corley, in Montesinho, I discovered the specimen from the picture and it turned out to be the 1st confirmed record of the genus Atemelia for the Iberian Peninsula.
The larva has been feeding on Ulmus and now is hibernating.

Pictures and information: http://www.ukflymines.co.uk/Moths/Atemelia_torquatella.php