15.006 BF284

Caloptilia rufipennella

(Hübner, 1796)

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Wingspan 11-12 mm.

One of several similar species, which can usually be identified by its smaller size and whitish band on the chocolate-brown forelegs.

The species was only discovered in Britain in 1970, and had a scattered northern and eastern distribution, but is now expanding its range and is fairly common in much of England and Scotland.

The larvae feed on sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus), initially in a small mine, but later folding the leaf and feeding within.

The moths emerge in August and overwinter, reappearing in the following spring.