Yorkshire Status: Local resident.

This species is well distributed across most of the county, however it was not until 2023 that it was found in VC65. It ought to be easy to identify, but it can confuse the unwary. The name albicapitella implies it has a white head, which it indeed does, but there again so do many of the confusion species. It would be better named albithoracella as its white thorax is its distinguishing feature. Only P. compunctella shares its pale thorax, and this is a larger and plainer species. The key in MBGBI separates by the fact that the median fascia is clearly interrupted on the fold. A helpful feature but not one that is particularly obvious. The larvae feed on blackthorn but apparently have not been observed in the county.

Recorded in 48 (24%) of 200 10k Squares. First Recorded in 1859. Last Recorded in 2024. Additional Stats

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