Prunus Leaf Miner
Common NamePrunus Leaf Miner
Scientific NameStigmella prunifoliella
FamilyNepticulidae
SubfamilyNepticulinae
Wingspan (mm)4.5
Wing Patternsolid
Primary Colorsdark brown, bronze, black
HabitatDeciduous woodlands, orchards, gardens, hedgerows
Geographic RangeEurope, parts of Asia
Host PlantsPrunus spinosa, Prunus domestica, Prunus avium, Prunus padus, Prunus cerasus, Malus domestica
Flight PeriodMay to August
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesThe larvae are leaf miners, creating a distinctive serpentine mine within the leaves of various Prunus and Malus species. Pupation occurs in a silken cocoon outside the mine.
Identification TipsIdentification is primarily by the characteristic leaf mine: a narrow, winding gallery on the upper side of the leaf, gradually widening and often containing a central frass line. Adult moths are tiny and require expert examination for species-level identification.
Description
A minute moth, typically dark brown to black with a metallic bronze or purplish sheen, sometimes featuring a pale transverse band on the forewings.
