Gracillariidae

15.013 Scarce Maple Stilt Caloptilia hemidactylella ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775)

pRDB1

Similar species: The rare migrant Caloptilia honoratella has dark scales bordering the blotch on the leading edge of the forewing. If uncertain of identification the genitalia should be checked.

Forewing: 5.5 to 7mm

Habitats: Deciduous woodland.

Habits:

Foodplant: The early stages are unclear or unrecorded in Britain. On the European mainland the larva is recorded as making a short winding gallery on the underside of a leaf which leads to a full depth blotch on Field Maple, Norway Maple or sometimes Sycamore. The blotch is usually skeletonised leaving only the veins. It then makes a succession of two or three downward leaf rolls, each larger than the last. It pupates under a white membrane under a leaf.