49.093 BF922

Phtheochroa schreibersiana

(Frölich, 1828)

Wingspan c. 15mm.

This distinctive species was formerly present though very local in parts of southern England, but there had been no recent records until 2010 when one was found in Buckinghamshire on 5 June.

In 2017 there were 3 records, and in 2018 there have been a number of records in late May and June, across several southern counties (Middlesex, Hertfordshire, Wiltshire and Berkshire), comprising the first records for several counties. The origin of this apparent resurgence is not clear but it may be due to introductions with planted tree saplings.

The larvae feed on elm (Ulmus), black poplar (Populus nigra) and bird cherry (Prunus padus), in spun leaves at first, then in shoots and leaf stalks.

Typically the adults fly in May and June.