Phyllonorycter ulicicolella

Phyllonorycter ulicicolella

Alternative names
Gorse Leaf-miner
Gorse Midget
Description

Wingspan 6 to 7 mm. 

In VC55, the larvae seem to prefer Western Gorse (Ulex gallii), which is smaller and softer than the common Gorse (Ulex europaeus).  The mines are hard to find - look for a yellowing, slighting distorted and swollen section of stem and side-shoot below the shoot tip.  The larva is yellow with a dark head.

Similar Species

Adults are similar to many other Phyllonorycter species.

Identification difficulty

Adult Leafmine

Recording advice

Adult: Gen det required for adults of this species unless reared from the larval mine.

Leafmine: Good photographs required showing the mine and the larva (the mine must be opened to show the larva inside). Please also state the host plant.

Habitat

Found in heathland and grassland where species of gorse are present.

When to see it

Adult moths are on the wing from June to August.

Life History

The larva mines shoots and spines of gorse (Ulex). 

UK Status

Widespread in England but the species seems to be quite uncommon. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as Nationally Scarce B.

VC55 Status

Rarely recorded in Leicestershire and Rutland.  

Reference
15.060 BF339

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