15.053 BF332a

Firethorn Leaf Miner Phyllonorycter leucographella

(Zeller, 1850)

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Wingspan 7-9 mm.

Discovered in Essex in 1989, this species has spread rapidly northwards through England to parts of north Yorkshire, and is now fairly common in gardens and other suburban habitats.

As a larva, it mines the leaves of rosaceous bushes, but mainly those of firethorn (Pyracantha). It forms a blotch in the centre of a leaf, leaving a thin membrane through which the larva can be seen, being whitish with black blotches.

Having a number of generations, the adults can be found between April and October, and resemble other Phyllonorycter species, with a buff ground colour and whitish 'chevrons'.