15.093 BF369

Phyllocnistis xenia

Hering, 1936

---

Wingspan c. 7mm.

This species was first encountered in Britain in 1974, when it was found on grey poplar (Populus canescens) in east Kent. Since then it has expanded its range throughout south-east England and has been found in Suffolk, Norfolk, Cambridge and Hampshire.

As well as grey poplar, the species is also found on white poplar (P. alba). The larva forms a thin silvery translucent gallery on the upper surface of the leaves, then folds the leaf edge over and pupates in a cocoon in the fold.

The adults are difficult to distinguish from other Phyllocnistis species, and are best reared through from larvae for accurate identification. They fly between July and September in two generations, the second brood probably overwintering as an adult. Mines can be found from June to August or September.