Leucoptera lotella
Trefoil Blister Moth

Wingspan c.5-6mm.

A nationally scarce species found primarily in the south and east of England and the west of Ireland.

The larvae feed on the leaves of Common and Greater Bird's-foot Trefoil (Lotus corniculatus and L. pedunculatus), mainly during June and July, forming a blotch mine with frass forming a spiral pattern; a second brood of larvae sometimes occurs in August and September. Pupation takes place outside the mine, and the winter is passed in the pupal stage.

Adults are on the wing in two generations between May and August.