Firethorn Leafminer
Common NameFirethorn Leafminer
Scientific NamePhyllonorycter leucographella
FamilyGracillariidae
SubfamilyLithocolletinae
Wingspan (mm)7
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsorange, brown, white
HabitatGardens, parks, hedgerows, urban areas, and other locations where host plants are present.
Geographic RangeNative to East Asia, widely introduced and established across Europe and parts of North America.
Host PlantsPyracantha, Crataegus, Cotoneaster, Malus, Pyrus, Sorbus, Prunus
Flight PeriodApril to October (multiple generations)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are leaf miners, creating blotch mines on the upper surface of host plant leaves, typically pupating within the mine. Multiple generations occur annually.
Identification TipsKey features include its small size (wingspan 6-8mm), the striking orange-brown and white striped pattern on the forewings, and the characteristic leaf mines it creates on Firethorn and other Rosaceae plants.
Description
A very small moth with glossy orange-brown forewings distinctly marked with several prominent white longitudinal stripes, often edged with darker scales.
