Food Plant: Cupressaceae such as Chamaecyparis spp., x Cuprocyparis, Juniperus spp.

Egg: laid on the new leaf tips

Mine: August -May

Notes: The larvae burrow through the leaves, causing discolouration and eventual die back. The larvae feed through the summer, overwintering, then feeding again in spring. They spin a white cocoon and pupate amongst the leaves. An endemic species on the Western coasts of USA and Canada. It is an adventive species in the UK, first discovered in N.Essex and E.Suffolk in 1997 and now rapidly spreading in the UK. The mines are shown on x Cuprocyparis leylandii. Moth bred to confirm identity (emerged 01.v.2020).

Data: 03.iv.2020, Downham Market, Norfolk, VC28

Image:© Rob Edmunds