Food Plant: Helleborus (Hellebore) species - seems to found mostly on Helleborus foetidus (Stinking hellebore) in the UK, but is known from H.niger also in the UK.

Mine: Summer to Spring

Pupa: In the leaf - normally on the lower surface

Notes: May be several mines to a leaf, which are initially blackish, short and linear. A blotch is later formed. The mines whiten as they age (as shown). First found in this country in 2000 and is distributed in Southern Counties and East Anglia. Bivoltine, possibly trivoltine.

Data: 21.iii.2004, Fleet, Hants, VC12

Image:© Rob Edmunds

Image:©