Dahlica lichenella

(Linnaeus, 1761)

Sort #: 119 | P #: 300005 | MPG #: 436.1
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Larval feeding type: Larva feeds from a silken case, 5-7mm long when fully-formed, slightly ridged down the back, but with rounded sides (not flat or indented as in triquetrella). It is not usually adorned with chitinous insect parts, but with sand and lichen particles. The case is often slightly wider towards the rear. The species is parthenogenetic in North America. The females emerge from their cases in early Spring and then lay their eggs inside the case.
Larval substrate: Tree lichen, possibly also dead leaves etc on the ground

Comment: Tentatively added to the list, based on larval cases which match this species best. The species needs confirmation through rearing or DNA of the larva. The fully-formed case of this species is smaller than that of D. triquetrella, and it has just a weak central ridge, outwardly-curved sides and is adorned with sand and algae/lichen particles. S. Whitebread was given some cases almost 20 years ago (locality unfortunately unknown, but in the Greater Boston area), and at the time a European Psychid expert (Peter Hättenschwiler) thought they were probably D. lichenella (and certainly not D. triquetrella). At the same time, old cases were found on the siding of SW's house, but were not found subsequently. Unfortunately, no cases were retained.

Status in MA (automated assessment): Restricted distribution, rare
Status in N. America: Introduced
MA Endangered Species Act status: None
First Year Reported: 2004
Last Year Reported: 2009

Distribution by County: Franklin, Norfolk
Number of Records: 2