Garden Apple Slender
Common NameGarden Apple Slender
Scientific NamePhyllonorycter hostis
FamilyGracillariidae
SubfamilyLithocolletinae
Wingspan (mm)7
Primary Colorsblack, white, brown
HabitatOrchards, gardens, and woodlands where host plants like apple and pear are present.
Geographic RangeEurope, parts of Asia
Host PlantsMalus domestica, Pyrus communis
Flight PeriodApril to October (multiple generations)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesThe larvae are leaf miners, creating characteristic blotch mines on the underside of apple and pear leaves. Pupation occurs within the mine, and the species typically has multiple generations per year.
Identification TipsLook for its minute size, the contrasting pattern of white bands and spots on dark forewings, the distinctive golden head tuft, and the presence of its larval mines on apple or pear leaves.
Description
A very small, slender moth characterized by dark forewings marked with several distinct white, often metallic-edged, transverse bands and spots, and a prominent golden-brown tuft of scales on its head.
