Black-shouldered Grey Carpatolechia decorella

Formerly given the vernacular name Winter Oak Groundling.

This moth was caught in Jim Swalwell's trap. There was a suggestion that it might by Mirificarma mulinella - not an entirely unreasonable suggestion but given the time of year and some inconsistencies in its appearance I wondered if there might be another solution, although I did not immediately recognise it. After further investigation I settled on Carpatolechia decorella, a new species for me. The moth had been retained for checking so I subsequently confirmed the ID with reference to the genitalia.

male Black-shouldered Grey Carpatolechia decorella showing genitalia, Cranwich Camp (Norfolk, UK), 21st March 2025