Elachistidae

38.010 Oat-grass Miner Elachista bedellella (Sircom, 1848)

Notable B

Similar species:

Forewing: 3.5 to 4mm

Habitats: Dry open grassland.

Habits:

Foodplant: The larva mines the leaves of Meadow Oat-grass. It makes a blotch mine from the tip to the base of 2 or 3 leaves in succession. The upperside is pale and puckered (but difficult to see) and the underside is tinged with purple. The larva is at first yellowish, but later grey-green, darker on top, with a pale brown head and darker prothoracic plate that is enlarged at the rear. Pupation takes place on a stem or on a leaf base.

On the European mainland it has also been recorded feeding on False Oat-grass, Sheep's-fescue, Rough Meadow-grass and Wood Meadow-grass.