Local sometimes common where it occurs, in hedgerows and woodland in south-eastern England, along the Welsh border counties from Somerset as far north as Lancashire, and in Ireland (MBGBI Vol 2). In Hampshire widespread, but nowhere particularly numerous, although probably under-recorded. First recorded on the Isle of Wight at Osborne in 2008, with a further record in the north-east of the Island in 2010. Wingspan 8-9 mm. Similar to P. blancardella, from which only reliably separated by dissection of the genitalia. Imago seldom encountered at light, and more likely to be recorded in the larval stage, when mines are relatively easy to find where they are present. Larva mines leaves of Quince, Crab Apple and Wild Service-tree, over-wintering as a pupa in a cocoon.
Flightime guide |
Stage | J | F | M |
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O | N | D |
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Larval |
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