15.063 BF341 - Gracillariidae - Lithocolletinae - Phyllonorycter maestingella

15.063 BF341 - Gracillariidae - Lithocolletinae - Phyllonorycter maestingella - Beech Leaf-miner - (Müller, 1764)

Adult Micro: CAT 4 - Gen. Det. Required -

Leaf-miner: CAT L - The leaf or a Photo required -

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- Generally Common / Widespread - Leaf Miner

Taxonomy: Micro >> Gracillariidae

Other Name/s: Beech Midget

ID Difficulty: Red

- difficult to identify - detailed examination required, often a Gen Det and/or specimen and quality photographs are required.
Confusion Species: < Phyllonorycter scopariella Phyllonorycter coryli >

ID pointers: This tiny moth has an intricate pattern of orange-brown, white and black markings.Several black and white V-shaped cross-lines. A “Tufted” head.

Distribution: Common across most of the British Isles. Seems well spread across Derbyshire so most probably common where the food plant exists. Most records refer to the leaf mine

Flight Period: May / June / August / - On the wing during May – June & August in two generations

Mine Period: July / September / October / - Recognisable as a silvery blotch on the upper-side of the leaf, usually over veins. Later, the mines contract which causes the leaf to fold upwards. Numerous mines can be located on each leaf. Found on Corylus (Hazel)

*** Last updated on 9 March 2025 by RP ***

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Wingspan: 7-9mm

Food Plant: Beech

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

Phyllonorycter maestingella – Dave Evans

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