Hawthorn Midget
Common NameHawthorn Midget
Scientific NameParornix anglicella
FamilyGracillariidae
SubfamilyGracillariinae
Wingspan (mm)8.5
Primary Colorsbrown, grey, white
HabitatWoodlands, hedgerows, orchards, gardens
Geographic RangeEurope, parts of Asia
Host PlantsCrataegus, Malus, Pyrus, Cydonia, Sorbus
Flight PeriodMay to June, August to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesThe larvae are leaf miners, creating a characteristic tentiform (raised, tent-like) mine on the underside of hawthorn and other rosaceous leaves. Pupation occurs in a silken cocoon, often within the mine or in leaf litter.
Identification TipsAdults are identified by their small size and specific forewing pattern with a white costal streak. The larval mine is a key feature: a tentiform mine on the underside of hawthorn leaves, often with frass concentrated in a central line, as seen in the image.
Description
A very small moth with a wingspan of 7-10 mm, featuring mottled brown and grey forewings with distinctive white markings, including a prominent white streak along the costa.
