4.099 BF34 - Nepticulidae - Nepticulinae - Ectoedemia occultella - Large Birch Dot

4.099 BF34 - Nepticulidae - Nepticulinae - Ectoedemia occultella - Large Birch Dot - (Linnaeus, 1767)

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

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

- click for General Verification Guidelines |

- click for Specific Verification Guidelines

- Uncertain/Unknown - Insufficient Data - Leaf Miner

Taxonomy: Micro >> Nepticulidae

Other Name/s: Large Birch Pigmy

ID Difficulty: Red

- difficult to identify - detailed examination required, often a Gen Det and/or specimen and quality photographs are required.
Confusion Species: Ectoedemia minimella; Ectoedemia atricollis

ID pointers: Very similar to Ectoedemia atricollis; appears to be slightly paler in colour tones. The adults are quite large for a Nepticulid, and have blackish forewings with a hint of violet, and contrasting whitish central band and eye-caps. The males have black heads, those of the female orange or yellow.

Distribution: (Last record: 28/10/2024 at Kings Newton ) - Uncertain due to insufficient data – Leaf Mine at Kings Newton 2024, Grange Wood 2018 & Calke October 2008.

Flight Period: May / June / July / - One generation May- July

Mine Period: August / September / October / - The larvae form a distinctive leaf mine in the leaves of birch, beginning as a dark circular blotch, then extending to a larger pale blotch. Sometimes several mines in one leaf.

Moth Activity: Cathemeral - occasionally attracted to light

*** Last updated on 19 February 2025 by TD ***

✉️ Send Moth Page Feedback

Wingspan: 5-7mm

Food Plant: Birch

Last Recorded Date: 28/10/2024

Last Recorded By: Tom Shields

Last Recorded General Area: Kings Newton

No First Date Information Recorded

IMAGES BELOW: