Hazel Slender
Common NameHazel Slender
Scientific NameParornix devoniella
FamilyGracillariidae
SubfamilyGracillariinae
Wingspan (mm)9
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsgrey, black, white
HabitatWoodlands, hedgerows, gardens, and areas with hazel trees
Geographic RangeEurope, including Great Britain and Ireland, extending into parts of Asia
Host PlantsCorylus avellana (Hazel), Carpinus betulus (Hornbeam), Betula (Birch)
Flight PeriodApril to May and July to August (bivoltine)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are leaf miners, creating blotch mines on the underside of hazel leaves. Pupation occurs in a silken cocoon, often on the leaf or in leaf litter.
Identification TipsKey features include its small size, mottled grey forewings with subtle white markings, the prominent head tuft, and its association with Hazel as a host plant. Distinguishing it from other *Parornix* species often requires examination of specific forewing patterns and genitalia.
Description
A small, slender moth with mottled grey and black forewings, giving it a speckled, cryptic appearance. It has a distinctive tuft of scales on its head and typically rests with its body angled upwards and wings folded tightly.
