Photo © Dave Green

Phyllonorycter ulmifoliella

Checklist Number
15.075 [B&F: 0353]

Verification
Record requires retention of specimen until confirmed, and may require dissection. Consult with CMR if unsure

Classification

Family:Gracillariidae
Subfamily:Lithocolletinae
Genus:Phyllonorycter
Species:ulmifoliella
Authority:(Hübner, [1817])

Widespread and common in birch woodland, with most records being of the leaf mine. Wingspan 7-9mm. Forewing golden-brown, with four costal and three dorsal white strigulae, dark edged inwardly, with a white dark-edged basal streak to one-third. The first pair of strigulae meet to form a slightly curved fascia; dorsal strigulae 2 and 3 lie between the remaining three costal marks, the second pair nearly meeting to form a second fascia, as can the third pair. Sometimes has a pale dorsal patch between the base and the first fascia.

The larva mines the underside of Birch leaves; a small mine, 8-14mm long, causing the upperside to appear dried-up and brownish, the underside with several folds which coalesce to give the appearance of a larger central fold. The leaf is often contorted and curves downwards. Mines can be found in June/July and more plentifully during autumn.

The abundance in each month is indicated as follows:

No records
Very occasional
Irregular
Uncommon
Off-peak, but not unusual
Off-peak, but not unusual
Main flight time
J F M A M J J A S O N D
Adult
Larval

Records by week (adult)

Records by week (larval)