Wingspan between12 and 15mm. This species is much paler than the related Zelleria hepariella.

Due to the rarity of this species in our area, your record should be supported by a good close-up photograph, and the specimen should be retained until confirmed by the County Recorder.

Most likely to be encountered as a migrant or adventive.  Possibly introduced from Europe on imported Olive trees.

We have noted records in Britain between May and September.

The larvae mine the leaves of Olive, and pupate in a silken cocoon.

First recorded in Britain in 2006, this species remains a rare migrant in Britain.

Rare in Leicestershire and Rutland. The Dadlington record of 13th July 2026 is the first VC55 record.

https://www.ukmoths.org.uk/species/zelleria-oleastrella/adult/