Gracillariidae: Gracillariinae

0287 (ABH15.009) Caloptilia robustella, Jäckh, 1972

KR01127

 Photo © Barry Dickerson
 Photo © Barry Dickerson
 pre-2000
 2000-2009
 2010-2019
 2020-onwards
 Photo © Barry Dickerson
Earith
Earith
 Photo © David Griffiths


General Information

This species is very similar to C. alchimiella but has a shorter and less clearly defined yellow blotch on the forewing. Genital dissection is necessary for a conclusive identification, although the first generation appear around three weeks before C. alchimiella.

 

The larvae create a short gallery mine which later becomes a blotch. They then form up to three cones at the edge of the leaf.


Wingspan: 10-13mm
Foodplant(s): oaks (Quercus spp.), Beech (Fagus sylvatica), Sweet Chestnut (Castanea sativa)
Flying: Two generations, April-June and July-September
UK Presence: Resident
National status: Common

Habitat

Woodland, heathland and scrub.

Regional Information

Recorded in 51 (18.9%) of the 270 2km squares of Huntingdonshire.

Last recorded in August 2022

Recorded date range (Adult): 21 February to 24 October

Recorded date range (Larva/Leafmine): 26 June to 23 October

Similar Species
Storrington, West Sussex, 30th May 2017. MV trap.
Storrington, West Sussex, 30th May 2017. MV trap.
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies