Description: Wingspan 18-24 mm. A small micro-like species with pale brown forewings. Antemedian line black. Postmedian line black outlined with white; stigmata dark brown and clearly visible in fresh specimens. The terminal fascia consists of several black dots situated along the veins. Hindwings pale whitish brown. Only recorded in July in N. Ireland. Skinner gives July and early August as the main flight period in Britain.

World Distribution: Eurasiatic; in western Europe it is found from Spain to southern Sweden.

Irish Distribution: Rare; discovered for the first time in N. Ireland at Crom, Fermanaghe in July 2000. Despite intensive trapping at this site over many years, no other adults have been found. It may exist in other suitable localities, as has been the case in the past for many new species.

Ecology: A small inconspicuous species, which is easily overlooked of damp woodland and heathland. Adults are not overly attracted to light which may account for it scarceness at potentially suitable sites. The larval habits and foodplants are unknown in the wild. Skinner states that the larvae have been reared on lettuce Lactuca and Wild Thyme Thymus polytrichus. It overwinters as a larva.

Key Identification Features:

• Small size
• Black and white postmedian line
• Black spots along the veins

Distribution Map from NBN: Schrankia taenialis at National Biodiversity Network mapping facility, data for UK.

iNaturalist: Schrankia taenialis at iNaturalist World Species Observations database.