Eriocrania cicatricella
Small Spring Jewel

Wingspan c.11mm.

This spring-flying species is probably overlooked, but is generally well distributed throughout much of mainland Britain.

Like several of its congeners, the larval foodplant is birch (Betula), the larvae creating a blotch mine in the leaves during May. The larval signs of this species can often be distinguished as they have a habit of feeding gregariously, with several larvae in a single blotch. The larvae are also generally smaller and whiter than related species.

The adults fly around the foodplants during April, but are not often seen.

See also: Leafmine (British Leaf Mining Fauna)