Firethorn Leaf Miner, Phyllonorycter leucographella Gracillariidae     Lithocolletinae

ABH 15.053
B&F 332a   *   Phyllonorycter leucographella   *   Firethorn Leaf Miner

Leaf mine photos on Apple (Malus) and Beech (Fagus). Sept 2011
Wingspan: 7-9mm. First recorded in Essex in 1989, sprreading rapidly.
Flight time: Several generations, April-October

Food plants: Rosaceous spp., mainly Firethorn (Pyracantha).
Mines have also been found on Beech (Fagus) but it appears these cannot complete their development. (Scroll down for photo)
Mine: July and October-April
Egg on base of midrib. The initial corridor widens into a sivery, upperside blotch, positioned over the midrib. Leaf may contract upwards.


Firethorn Leaf Miner, Phyllonorycter leucographella


Firethorn Leaf Miner, Phyllonorycter leucographella


Firethorn Leaf Miner, Phyllonorycter leucographella


Firethorn Leaf Miner, Phyllonorycter leucographella
Firethorn Leaf Miner, Phyllonorycter leucographella
Leaf mines on Apple and Beech. Parkstone, Dorset. September 2011. Adult: September 2012 (not ex-mine)

All images used are copyright. Please contact me if you find errors.