Parornix scoticella
Parornix scoticella
Leaf mines • Larval mines on Sorbus, underside. Angelsey Abbey, Cambs. • © Ian Barton

15.03 BF305

Parornix scoticella

(Stainton, 1850)


Wingspan c. 10mm.

This species is distributed widely over much of the British Isles, frequenting gardens and woodland in the south, and more linked to higher ground in the north.

Adult moths are on the wing in two generations in the south; in May and again in August. Further north there is just one generation in August. They resemble other species of Parornix, but do show distinctive white palps and frons.

The larva feeds on rowan (Sorbus aucuparia) and whitebeam (S. aria); occasionally on apple (Malus). A blotch is formed in the leaf which turns brown, and the larva pupates in a folded portion of the leaf.
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