Elachistidae

38.035 Fen Grass-miner Elachista pomerana Frey, 1870

pRDB1

Similar species:

Forewing: 4 to 5mm

Habitats: Fenland.

Habits: The moth comes to light in the early part of the night.

Foodplant: The larva mines a leaf of Wood Small-reed. The mine descends from the tip and takes up the full width of the blade. The frass is scattered, although later it can form a central line. Mines can be up to 20cm long, but most are less than 8cm, suggesting that the larva changes leaves and makes several mines. The larva is grey-green with a yellow tinge. The head and prothoracic plate are light brown, but darker at the sides. It pupates exposed on a leaf attached by a fine silk girdle.

On the European mainland it has also been recorded feeding on Wild Oat, Reed Canary-grass, Floating Sweet-grass and Smooth Meadow-grass.