Micrurapteryx gradatella
Common NameMicrurapteryx gradatella
Scientific NameMicrurapteryx gradatella
FamilyGracillariidae
SubfamilyGracillariinae
Wingspan (mm)8
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsdark brown, cream, white
HabitatMeadows, grasslands, woodlands, gardens, and areas with host plants
Geographic RangeEurope, including Great Britain, extending east to Russia and Japan
Host PlantsLathyrus pratensis, Vicia cracca, Lotus corniculatus
Flight PeriodMay to June, and July to September (bivoltine)
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesThe larvae are leaf miners, creating a long, narrow gallery mine on the leaves of various leguminous plants. Pupation typically occurs outside the mine in a silken cocoon.
Identification TipsKey features include its minute size, the prominent pale longitudinal stripe on dark forewings, and its characteristic resting posture with antennae held forward. Larval host plants (Lathyrus, Vicia, Lotus) are also a strong indicator.
Description
A very small, slender moth characterized by its dark brown forewings adorned with a distinct, straight, pale cream or white longitudinal stripe running from the wing base towards the apex.
