4.014 BF98

Stigmella catharticella

(Stainton, 1853)

Wingspan 5-6 mm.

Occurs mainly in the south of England where the food plant Buckthorn Rhamnus catharticus grows.

The larvae feed during June/July and September/October in a distinctive mine with green coiled frass. Larvae are greenish with a brownish head.

The adult, which has dark wings with a small white tornal spot, flies in two generations during May/June and July/August.