Caloptilia rufipennella - Distribution map

Please note that the NBN Gateway map service has been terminated as of 1 April 2017.

As soon as a replacement map service is available, distribution maps will hopefully appear here again.

In the meantime, you can get some idea of distribution from the NBN Atlas website.

View the NBN Atlas Map

15.006 BF284

Caloptilia rufipennella

(Hübner, 1796)


Wingspan 11-12 mm.

One of several similar species, which can usually be identified by its smaller size and whitish band on the chocolate-brown forelegs.

The species was only discovered in Britain in 1970, and had a scattered northern and eastern distribution, but is now expanding its range and is fairly common in much of England and Scotland.

The larvae feed on sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus), initially in a small mine, but later folding the leaf and feeding within.

The moths emerge in August and overwinter, reappearing in the following spring.
back to top