Morley’s Final Catalogue: Not listed. Nepticulids were not well studied and only 21 species listed.
Recent Status: A species that has been increasing in abundance across Britain. First found in Suffolk during 2013 and is now widespread.
Life Style: Generally stated as being a double brooded species and quoted as flying May/June and July/August. However the species hibernates and so could probably be found as adult at any time of the year The larvae mine leaves of Acer campestre and A. platanoides. They pupate in a pale cocoon either on the underside of a leaf or on the ground.
Identification: The moth forewing is dark brown shining golden bronze with a purple sheen beyond the white or golden fascia. The head tuft is dark with an off white collar and scape. The moth can be identified by breeding out from a mine or by genitalia dissection. The larva creates a long sinuous gallery variously placed and starting from the ovum on the underside of the leaf. The mine and frass is green but becomes brown as it ages. More Info
Determination by Genitalia Examination (gen. det.) Required
Recorded in 41 (71%) of 58 10k Squares. First Recorded in 2013. Last Recorded in 2023. Additional Stats
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