15.014 BF293

Gracillaria syringella

(Fabricius, 1794)

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Wingspan 10-13 mm.

A common species throughout Britain, this is another distinctive Caloptilia. Although quite variable, this is the most well-marked of the group.

The larvae feed on privet (Ligustrum) and lilac (Syringa), and can be a pest in gardens. Often, many leaves on a single bush turn brown and curl up with the mines.

The adults fly in May and again in July, and can be very common indeed where the mines are to be found.