Food Plant: Prunus spinosa (Blackthorn)

Mine: June, possibly also August-September

Notes: This is only known from Dungeness in Kent, feeding on the prostrate form of Prunus spinosa. The larval stages are described for the first time (Beavan, Heckford & Langdon (2026)). The larvae form upwardly spun leaves in later instars, which distinguish them from the downwardly spun leaves of P.finitimella and P.torquillella.The larva constructs a white flat silken spinning on the upper surface of a leaf, which extends throughout the leaf but not to its base. The silk then contracts and the leaf forms a tube or pod (as shown) . Frass accumulates at the apex of this spinning, as the larva feeds on the upper parenchyma, turning the leaf brown where it has been feeding. The larva contructs a silken cocoon, in which it pupates. It is possible that the learva mines leaves in early instars, but this needs further investgation.

Data: 28.vi.2025, Dungeness, Kent, VC15

Image:© S.D. Beavan & R.J. Heckford

References:
Hammond M (2016) Parornix atripalpella Wahlstöm, 1979, (Lep.: Gracillariidae) new to Britain from Dungeness –an overlooked resident species? Entomologist's Rec. J.Var. 128(1) 11-17
S. D. Beavan S.D. Heckford R. J. & Langdon W. B. V. (2026) Parornix atripalpella Wahlström, 1979 (Lep.: Gracillariidae): discovery of the larva in the British Isles. Entomologist's Rec. J.Var. 138(1) 19-36