15.083 BF361

Phyllonorycter trifasciella

(Haworth, 1828)

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Wingspan 7-8 mm.

A common and widespread species throughout the British Isles, this species is unusual among Phyllonorycters in having three generations, with adults on the wing in November, as well as the usual May and August periods.

The foodplant is honeysuckle (Lonicera), though occasionally snowberry (Symphoricarpos) and himalayan honeysuckle (Leycesteria) are used. The mine is quite distinctive, occupying a large part of a leaf and causing it to fold and twist into a conical shape. The mines can be quite abundant where it is found.

If collecting mines in October for rearing through, these should be monitored closely as adults will emerge within a few weeks rather than the following spring.

See also:
Leafmine (British Leaf Mining Fauna)
Leafmine (De bladmineerders van Nederland)