Bucculatrix demaryella

Wingspan about 9 mm. The adult is a rather plain looking grey-brown and white moth. It is most often recorded from the leafmines of its larva which usually mines the leaves of Birch, but occasionally uses Hazel or Sweet Chestnut. The initial gallery is contorted and then follows a vein, before often turning at right angles. In the free feeding phase the larva window feeds on the leaf. 

Adult Leafmine

Adult: Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required and the specimen should be examined with a microscope. In the comments box, state the key or ID method used and describe the size and identifying characters.

Leafmine: Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required. If the photo doesn't show the key ID features then in the comments box describe the size and identifying characters you have observed.

Found in woodland and heaths especially where Birch is present.

Adult: May and June.   Leafmine: July-August.  

Like other Bucculatrix species, it pupates in a pale, ribbed cocoon.

Distributed across much of the British Isles, though somewhat overlooked and difficult to find, particularly as an adult. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as local.

Rare or rarely recorded in Leicestershire and Rutland. The Croft Glebe record of 6th November 2019 is the first for VC55.