Phyllonorycter mespilella
Service-tree Leaf-miner
Based on 71 records from NBN Atlas. pre-2000 2000+ View detailed records on NBN Atlas →

Phyllonorycter mespilella
Service-tree Leaf-miner

15.045 BF325

(Hübner, [1805])

Wingspan c. 7mm.

A rather scarce and local species, although distributed quite widely over much of England and Wales with some localities in Scotland and Ireland.

The adult moths are rather similar to several other Phyllonorycter species, and care must be taken with identification unless reared from one of the obvious foodplants.

The larvae create long, narrow blister mines on the underside of the leaves of wild service-tree (Sorbus torminalis), sometimes on other rosaceous trees such as pear (Pyrus).

There are two broods, with adults in May and August, and leaf mines apparent in July/August and from October onwards.


Flight period

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