London Midget
Common NameLondon Midget
Scientific NamePhyllonorycter messaniella
FamilyGracillariidae
SubfamilyLithocolletinae
Wingspan (mm)7.5
Primary Colorsgolden-brown, white, metallic blue, black
HabitatWoodlands, parks, gardens
Geographic RangeEurope, North America, New Zealand, Australia
Host Plantsoak, beech, chestnut, hornbeam, hazel
Flight PeriodMay to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are leaf miners, creating blotch mines on the underside of host tree leaves, where pupation also occurs.
Identification TipsLook for its very small size, golden-brown forewings with bright metallic longitudinal streaks, and its characteristic resting posture with wings folded flat along the body.
Description
A tiny moth with golden-brown forewings featuring prominent metallic silvery-blue and white streaks, often edged with black, and a distinctive tufted head.
