Phyllonorycter ulmifoliella

Red birch midget

Description

Phyllonorycter ulmifoliella is a small moth from the family Gracillariidae. Its larvae are leaf miners that develop on birch species (Betula spp.). The species is widespread across Europe, except for the Iberian and Balkan Peninsulas, and extends into Russia and Japan. The larvae form tentiform mines on the underside of leaves, which can cause discoloration and deformation of foliage. The species has two generations per year, with adult moths emerging in May and August. While the mines do not cause severe damage to trees, they can reduce photosynthetic efficiency and affect the aesthetic value of the host trees in urban and forested environments.

Symptom

On the underside of birch leaves, there are small, tentiform mines with greenish-yellow lower epidermis, which becomes weakly folded. Frass accumulates in one corner of the mine.

Tree Species: Birch

Part of a plant- attacked: Leaf / Needle

Pest significance: Less harmful

Pest Category: Insects

Invasive Species: No

Present in EU: Yes