4.074 BF21

Etainia sericopeza

(Zeller, 1839)

Wingspan c. 6-8mm

A rather rare species, found mainly in parts of south-east England but with a few scattered records from further north.

This 'leaf-miner' actually mines the seeds, or samara, of Norway maple (Acer platanoides), forming a short gallery from the wing into the seed itself.

There is some historical documentation referring to the possibility of field maple (A. campestre) as a foodplant but this appears to be unproven and such records may refer to E. louisella before it was recognised as a species.

The adult moths, though tiny, are relatively strongly patterned for a Nepticulid. They fly in May and August, in two generations.

See also: Larval mine (British Leaf Mining Fauna)