4.042 BF67

Stigmella plagicolella

(Stainton, 1854)

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Wingspan 4-5 mm.

A fairly common species throughout England, Wales and Ireland.

The larvae feed on Prunus, mainly blackthorn (P. spinosa), creating a roundish blotch which begins as a narrow gallery. These can be found in July and again in September and October.

The adults are on the wing from May to June and again in August. They have dark forewings with bronzy and purple sheens and a neat whitish fascia.

See also:
Leafmine (British Leaf Mining Fauna)
Leafmine (De bladmineerders van Nederland)