Elm Groundling
Common NameElm Groundling
Scientific NameScythris limbella
FamilyScythrididae
Wingspan (mm)12
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsbrown, grey, black, white
HabitatWoodlands, parks, gardens, hedgerows, and areas with elm trees
Geographic RangeEurope, parts of Asia, introduced to North America
Host PlantsUlmus glabra, Ulmus minor, Ulmus spp.
Flight PeriodJune to August
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed gregariously in a silken web on elm leaves, often skeletonizing them. Pupation occurs in a cocoon, typically on the host plant or in leaf litter.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its small size, slender body, and mottled dark brown/grey forewings. Its strong association with elm trees is a key identification feature.
Description
A small, slender moth with narrow, pointed forewings that are mottled dark brown and grey with scattered whitish scales, providing excellent camouflage.
