The Moths of Suffolk - 321 Phyllonorycter messaniella, (Zeller, 1846)

321 Phyllonorycter messaniella, (Zeller, 1846)

National Status : Common

Local Status : Resident (SMP Status 3)

Distribution and abundance : Widespread and common

Habitats : Woodland, Scrub, hedgerows and fens

Flight Period : More or less continuously brooded; mainly April to May, August and late October to November

Larval foodplants : Evergreen oak (Quercus ilex), deciduous oak (Quercus), Sweet Chestnut (Castanea sativa), Beech (Fagus sylvatica), Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus), birch (Betula), plum (Prunus) or apple (Malus)

Morley's Final Catalogue : Very commonly beaten from birch and oak in Bentley Woods during May and June 1897-1934 (Mly); Holbrook and plentiful about Ipswich, bred at Shrubland from Spanish chestnut in 1934 (Whit.); common in ilex at Glemham Magna and Leiston (Bloomf.); Mildenhall in 1934 (Mly).

Wingspan details : Wingspan 7-9mm

Identification

Confusion species
	Adult	Phyllonorycter quercifoliella
		Phyllonorycter platani
	Leaf-mine	Parornix fagivora	Phyllonorycter harrisella
		Phyllonorycter harrisella	Phyllonorycter roboris
		Phyllonorycter heegeriella	Phyllonorycter kuhlweiniella
		Phyllonorycter quercifoliella	Phyllonorycter muelleriella
		Phyllonorycter maestingella	Phyllonorycter lautella

Compare confusion species
	Adult
	Leaf-mine