Yponomeutidae

16.024 Plain Needle-miner Ocnerostoma friesei Svensson, 1966

Local

Similar species: Although Ocnerostoma piniariella has lighter ringed antennae rather than grey antennae it is best to check the genitalia to get a reliable identification.

Forewing: 4 to 5mm

Habitats: Coniferous woodland or heathland.

Habits: The moth can be disturbed in the day. It comes to light.

Foodplant: The larva mines a needle of Scot's Pine from tip to base, filling the end with excrement, but makes a hole away from the tip and ejects its excrement through it leaving the lower mine containing the larva mostly empty and looking pale. It pupates in a slender cocoon spun between three or four needles.