15.039 BF320 - Gracillariidae - Lithocolletinae - Phyllonorycter quercifoliella

15.039 BF320 - Gracillariidae - Lithocolletinae - Phyllonorycter quercifoliella - Common Oak Leaf-miner - (Zeller, 1839)

Adult Micro: CAT 2 - Confusion Species - Leaf-miner: CAT R - Moth will need to be reared and possibly dissected -

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- Generally Common / Widespread - Leaf Miner

Taxonomy: Micro >> Gracillariidae

Other Name/s: Common Oak Midget

ID Difficulty: amber

- care required in the identification process, as confusion with similar species is likely - quality photographs required.
Confusion Species: P.messaniella and P.platani

ID pointers: The basal wing streak extends along about two thirds of the wing, whereas in P.messaniella, just about reaches half way. A delicately marked little moth
The ‘cremaster’ with its two hooks is diagnostic for P. quercifoliella

Distribution: Probably the commonest of the oak feeding Phyllonorycter species. Should be widespread across the recording area where the food plant exists

Flight Period: April / May / August / September / - Two generations

Mine Period: July / September / October / - A small blotch on the underside of oak leaves

Moth Activity: Cathemeral - and is attracted to light

*** Last updated on 28 February 2025 by RP ***

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Wingspan: 7-9mm

Food Plant: Oak (Quercus)

Recorded dates for Common [Blue-coded ] moths are not stored on the website at this current time.

IMAGES BELOW:

Phyllonorycter quercifoliella – 4th February 2025 – Gnat Hole, Glossop – Christian Heintzen

Phyllonorycter quercifoliella - 4th February 2025 - Gnat Hole, Glossop - Christian Heintzen