Family Lyonetiidae » Subfamily Lyonetiinae » Lyonetia clerkella (Linnaeus, 1758) 21.001 (BF263)
Forewing length 4-4.5 mm. A very tiny, whitish moth, with distinct brown patterning towards the tail end of its narrow forewings. The larva feeds on a variety of Rosaceae (rose family) and Betula (birch) trees in small, long and winding leafmines. Pupation takes place in a cocoon that hangs in a ‘hammock’ in a fold of the leaf. The adult flies in two or three broods a year, mainly May to October. It comes to light and is found in woodland, heathland, urban parks and gardens. Common and widespread throughout.
Adult attracted to moth trap in back garden, August 2017, mine and cocoon on Common Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) and Wild Cherry (Prunus avium) in back garden, June & September 2021. Photos © Peter Hillman. Species identification confirmed and recorded by an expert from iRecord.
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