Eriocrania semipurpurella

    Large Spring Jewel

    EriocraniidaeABH 2.007 B&F 13

    A birch-feeding Eriocrania that needs to be recorded as a tenanted leaf-mine or by dissection, and it is undoubtedly under-recorded as a result.  Most records are from upland West Somerset, particularly the Quantocks and the Porlock area, though no doubt there are more sites to be found.  It has also been recorded from the Shapwick/Ham Wall area and post-industrial sites in the east Mendips, with older records from Cheddar Gorge and Leigh Woods that could usefully be confirmed.  The record from west of Crewkerne in south Somerset is erroneous.

    Adult Verification Grade: 4

    Mine Verification Grade: R

    Early Purple (Eriocrania semipurpurella) photographed in Somerset by Christopher Iles
    Early Purple (Eriocrania semipurpurella) photographed in Somerset by Christopher Iles