Chilenocaecilius ornatipennis

This speices is native to Chile and Argentina and is sometimes known as Chilean Barklouse. It has been introduced extensively elsewhere and become common across much of the west of the UK before spreading to the east as well.

My first example of this species was in the west, in Cumbria. where I netted this in flight.

Chilenocaecilius ornatipennis, Great Wood (Cumbria, UK), 5th April 2019

In 2022 I found numerous examples at two sites in Norfolk. At the site where I saw most of them they were mostly on Rhododendron although as far as I am aware there is no exclusive association of this species with Rhododendron.

Chilenocaecilius ornatipennis, Ling Plantation, North Elmham (Norfolk, UK), 18th March 2022

second Chilenocaecilius ornatipennis, Ling Plantation, North Elmham (Norfolk, UK), 18th March 2022

Chilenocaecilius ornatipennis, Ling Plantation, North Elmham (Norfolk, UK), 12th April 2022

Chilenocaecilius ornatipennis, Ling Plantation, North Elmham (Norfolk, UK), 10th May 2022

This one was swept off a conifer, a Yew I think, although as there is a fair bit of Rhododendron at this site too.

Chilenocaecilius ornatipennis, Thursfood Wood (Norfolk, UK), 10th May 2022