Food Plant: Molinia caerulea (Purple Moor-grass)

Egg: laid near the tip of a leaf

Mine: August-April

Notes: Initially makes a short mine towards the leaf tip which then turns downwards and makes a full depth flat mine, with smooth sides, which gradually broadens (as shown, with larva). The larva lives in a faint central frass-lined silk tube. It is fully fed in the autumn, but hibernates in the mine, emerging to pupate in April. Found on heaths and moorland throughout Britain.

Data: 14.ix,2025, Llantrisant Common, Rhondda Cynon Taff, Glamorganshire, VC41

Image:© George Tordoff