Exoteleia dodecella

Exoteleia dodecella

Alternative names
Tufted Pine Moth
Pine Groundling
Description

Wingspan 12 to 15 mm.  The larva mines pine needles, entering from a small hole below the leaf tip, which is then sealed with silk.  It feeds towards the needle tip, eventally causing a large mine in leaf-tip.  The larva is brown with a dark head. 

Similar Species

seveal other moth species mine pine needles

Identification difficulty

Adult leaf mine

Recording advice

Photograph mine in pine needle, including the mine openings; photograph larva. Note host species 

Habitat

Occurs in conifer plantations.

When to see it

The flight period is from June to July, and the moth can be attracted to light, but can also be disturbed from the foodplant by beating.

Life History

The larvae feed initially internally on the needles of pine (Pinus), and subsequently externally on the shoots, spinning the needles together.

UK Status

Widely distributed throughout much of the British Isles but rather local. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as local.

VC55 Status

It appears to be uncommon in Leicestershire and Rutland, where there are few records. L&R Moth Group status = D (rare or rarely recorded).

Reference
35.159 BF760

Leicestershire & Rutland Map

MAP KEY:

Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2025+ | 2020-2024 | pre-2020

UK Map

Additional images

All NatureSpot records