Gorse Knot-horn Pempelia genistella

This species is expanding its range and was first recorded in Norfolk in 2019. It is now well established in east Suffolk (per Suffolk Moths website) but although there have been more records in Norfolk in 2025 than in previous years, it remains scarce here for the time being (see Norfolk Moths).

This one was caught by David Norgate and shown to me. The species was hardly on my radar and I didn't recognise it at first, though noted its close similarity to Heather Knot-horn Pempelia palumbella. The colour tones seemed quite off for that, although the markings fitted, and after a little research the correct solution became clear.

Gorse Knot-horn Pempelia genistella, Toftwood (Norfolk, UK), 30th June 2025

A couple of weeks after seeing David's, I caught my own.

male Gorse Knot-horn Pempelia genistella showing genitalia including aedeagus/juxta arms, North Elmham (Norfolk, UK), 14th July 2025