European Oak Leafminer
Common NameEuropean Oak Leafminer
Scientific NamePhyllonorycter harrisella
FamilyGracillariidae
SubfamilyGracillariinae
Wingspan (mm)7
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsorange, brown, white
HabitatWoodlands, forests, parks, and areas with oak trees
Geographic RangeEurope
Host Plantsoak
Flight PeriodApril to May, July to August (two generations)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are leafminers, creating characteristic mines on the underside of oak leaves. Pupation occurs within the leaf mine, and there are typically two generations per year.
Identification TipsIdentify by its small size, the distinctive orange-brown forewings with prominent white streaks, and the characteristic tentiform mines found on oak leaves.
Description
A very small, slender moth with an orange-brown body and forewings marked with distinctive white or silvery streaks, often edged with dark scales. It has a prominent tuft of scales on its head.
