Grey Midget Moth
Common NameGrey Midget Moth
Scientific NamePhyllonorycter messaniella
FamilyGracillariidae
SubfamilyLithocolletinae
Wingspan (mm)7.5
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsgrey, brown, black, reddish-brown
HabitatWoodlands, parks, gardens, urban areas where host trees are present.
Geographic RangeNative to Europe, now widespread globally including North America, Australia, and New Zealand.
Host Plantsoak, beech, chestnut, hazel, hornbeam
Flight PeriodApril to October (bivoltine or multivoltine)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesThe larvae are leaf miners, developing within the leaves of various deciduous trees, creating characteristic tentiform mines. Pupation typically occurs within the mine.
Identification TipsKey features include its minute size (wingspan 6-9mm), the mottled grey-brown forewings with dark transverse markings, and the reddish-brown spots near the leading edge of the wing.
Description
A very small moth with mottled greyish-brown forewings, characterized by darker transverse bands and distinct reddish-brown spots near the costa, providing excellent camouflage.
