Phyllonorycter tristrigella

Wingspan 7-9 mm. One of the more distinctive of the Phyllonorycters, this species has two complete bands across the forewing and then a chevron-like mark nearer the wingtip. It also lacks the dark fringe line often present in other species.

Adult Leafmine

Leafmine occurs on Elm. http://www.leafmines.co.uk/html/Lepidoptera/P.tristrigella.htm

Hedgerows and usually favouring Elm

There are two broods, with adults at large during May and again in August.

The larvae feed on Elm (Ulmus), creating a long, narrow blotch mine on the underside of a leaf between two veins.

The species is relatively common in mainland Britain northwards to southern Scotland. In the Butterfly Conservation’s Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as common.

Records would indicate that this moth is rather uncommon in Leicestershire and Rutland. L&R Moth Group status = D (rare or rarely recorded)