20.002 BF403

Argyresthia glabratella

(Zeller, 1847)

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Wingspan c. 10mm.

One of two greyish, unicolorous Argyresthia species, this can be confused with A. laevigatella, although the present species is usually paler grey and slightly smaller, and the two use different foodplants, which be diagnostic, especially if adults are beaten from the foliage.

Present in south and south-east England, with a somewhat more scattered distribution northwards into Scotland, the larvae of this species feed on Norway spruce Picea abies, mining the shoots and causing them to become discoloured.

Adult moths are on the wing in May and June, and are attracted to light.