Phyllonorycter heegeriella

Wingspan approximately 7mm. One of several oak-feeding Phyllonorycter species showing a white forewing base colour, the narrow greyish basal streak is a useful identification aid.

Areas where oak is present.

Adult moths fly in two generations, in May and again in August.

The larvae form small blister mines on the underside of oak (Quercus) leaves, usually at a lobe, causing the tip to fold over. The mines are typically smaller than those of other oak-feeding species. They can be found in July and from September to October

Widely distributed throughout much of Britain, although local, this species is commoner in the south, occupying deciduous woodland. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as common.

It appears to be uncommon in Leicestershire and Rutland, where there are few records. L&R Moth Group status = D (rare or rarely recorded).