My understanding is that recent genetic research has shown that these are in fact a single species and the name lapidella has precedence but until this is published in the forthcoming new checklist or elsewhere, I guess we should stick with calling the form found away from Cornwall L. ferchaultella.
Whatever its taxanomic status, Luffia cases can be found on tree trunks and occasionally other wood or rock. It seems to be particularly common on oak. The cases are only around 5mm long and are covered in algae so are quite hard to see.
Interesting you find them on Oak, in Cardiff I've mostly found them on Lime street trees (and also Narycia dupicella cases on these). Also a few Luffia on Sweet Chestnut and Wellingtonia.
ReplyDeleteBut I suppose the tree species is a bit irrelevant, as long as they have the powdery lichen they seem to like.