Phyllonorycter esperella

Dark hornbeam midget

Description

Phyllonorycter esperella, commonly known as the dark hornbeam midget, is a small moth in the Gracillariidae family with a wingspan of 7–9 mm. This species is distributed across Europe, from Sweden to the Pyrenees, Italy, Greece, and from Great Britain to Ukraine. P. esperella primarily targets Carpinus betulus (hornbeam) and Ostrya carpinifolia as host plants. The larvae mine the upper surface of leaves, creating roundish, silvery blotch mines that are centered over side veins. In early stages, the mine appears flat, but as it matures, it contracts significantly, often causing the leaf to fold strongly. P. esperella has two generations per year, with adults emerging in May and again in August, while larvae are active in July and from September to October.

Symptom

Leaves have silvery, upper-surface blotch mines that cause significant leaf folding and contraction. Multiple mines can lead to reduced photosynthesis and premature leaf drop.

Tree Species: Hornbeam, Hop Hornbeam

Part of a plant- attacked: Leaf / Needle

Pest significance: Less harmful

Pest Category: Insects

Invasive Species: No

Present in EU: Yes