Gracillariidae: Gracillariinae

0309 (ABH15.033) Parornix torquillella (=Deltaornix), (Zeller, 1850)

KR01200

Earith
Earith
 Photo © David Griffiths
Earith
 Photo © David Griffiths
 pre-2000
 2000-2009
 2010-2019
 2020-onwards
Earith
Earith
 Photo © David Griffiths
Earith
Earith
 Photo © David Griffiths
Larva disturbed from leaf fold on Blackthorn. Note the four tranversely placed black dots.
Larva disturbed from leaf fold on Blackthorn. Note the four tranversely placed black dots.
 Photo © Barry Dickerson
Deltaornix torquillella mines on Blackthorn
Deltaornix torquillella mines on Blackthorn
 Photo © Barry Dickerson


General Information

Both adults and the leaf mine cannot be reliably distinguished visually from Parornix finitimella. Adults require genital dissection for a conclusive identification.

 

The larvae initially produce a gallery leading to a grey/white blotch. They then form two or more leaf folds. The larvae are green with green legs.

Both sexes come to light.

Wingspan: 9-10mm
Foodplant(s): Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa), Wild Plum (Prunus americana)
Flying: One generation, May-July
UK Presence: Resident
National status: Common

Regional Information

Recorded in 83 (30.7%) of the 270 2km squares of Huntingdonshire.

Last recorded in June 2023

Recorded date range (Adult): 10 April to 24 September

Recorded date range (Larva/Leafmine): 21 August to 11 November

Similar Species
Earith
Earith
 Photo © David Griffiths


Larva/Leafmine:
Larva Type:
Colours:
Yellow, purple, green, black