14.008 BF272

Bucculatrix cidarella

(Zeller, 1839)

Wingspan c.9 mm.

Distributed widely across much of the British Isles, though not always common, the larva of this species creates a gallery mine in the leaves of alder (Alnus glutinosa), and in some localities bog myrtle (Myrica gale).

The mine is similar to those of the alder-feeding Nepticulidae, but is generally shorter, with the larval exit-hole on the upperside of the leaf rather than the underside. After vacating the mine, the larva grazes on the underside of the leaf in the manner of other Bucculatricidae. Tenanted mines can be found in August and September.

The adults are rather more difficult to locate, and fly in May and June, sometimes with a second generation in August.

See also: Leafmine (British Leaf Mining Fauna)