Blackthorn Argent
Common NameBlackthorn Argent
Scientific NameArgyresthia pruniella
FamilyArgyresthiidae
SubfamilyArgyresthiinae
Wingspan (mm)10
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorswhite, brown, dark grey
HabitatOrchards, gardens, woodlands, hedgerows
Geographic RangeEurope, parts of Asia, North America (introduced)
Host PlantsPrunus spinosa (Blackthorn), Prunus avium (Wild Cherry), Prunus domestica (Plum), Malus domestica (Apple)
Flight PeriodMay to July
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are leaf miners or shoot borers in the twigs of various Prunus species, pupating in a cocoon on the ground or bark. It is univoltine, having one generation per year.
Identification TipsKey features include its small size, the prominent white costal stripe on the forewings, and its typical resting posture with antennae held forward and body parallel to the substrate.
Description
A small, slender moth with a white head and thorax, and forewings featuring a broad white stripe along the costa contrasting with darker brown and grey patterning, often with a distinct dark patch near the apex.
