Food Plant: Quercus spp.

Egg: laid on a twig

Mine: April-June

Notes: The larva bores into a green stem, mining downwards and a slight swelling results. Small holes are formed 9as shown), at least 4cm distally from the stem tip and frass may be ejected through these holes. Exit holes were also found in buds. The leaves at the stem tip and the mined stem tend to wilt and ultimately turn brown. The affected stems were found to be at least 2m above the ground (Heckford & Beavan, 2023).

Bradley No: 755

National Status: Local

Gelechiid Recording Scheme: link

Data: 2022, Chudleigh Knighton Heath, South Devon, VC3

Image:© SD Beavan & RJ Heckford

References:
Heckford RJ 7 Beavan SD (2023), Observations on the larva of Stenolechia gemmella (Linnaeus, 1758)(Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), Entomologist's Gazette 73, (4), 233-249.
Langmaid JR, Palmer SM & Young MR (2018), A Field Guide to the Smaller Moths of Great Britain and Ireland
Emmet MA & Langmaid JRL (2002), The Moths and Butterflies of Great Britain and Ireland, Volume 4 (Part2), Gelechiidae