Leaf-spinner:
The
larva spins a light web on the surface of leaves of dwarf birch,
feeding on the leaf surface (UKMoths).
Larva: The larvae of moths have a head capsule and chewing mouthparts with opposable mandibles (see video of a gracillarid larva feeding), six thoracic legs and abdominal legs (see examples).
Pupa: The pupae of moths have visible head appendages, wings and legs which lie in sheaths (see examples).
Adult:
The adult is illustrated in UKMoths by Duncan Williams.
The species is included in mothdissection.co.uk.
Hosts in Great Britain and Ireland:
Hosts
elsewhere: Currently unknown.
Time
of year - larvae: Currently unknown.
Time
of year - adults: Adults emerge in late May, coinciding with
the leaf-flush of Betula nana. They can be seen flying low
over the plant in the early evening (UKMoths).
Distribution
in Great Britain and Ireland: A rare species, restricted in
the British Isles to high altitude in the Scottish Highlands (UKMoths).
Distribution
elsewhere: Widespread in continental Europe including Estonia,
Finland, Norwegian mainland, Poland, Russia - North and Northwest
and Sweden (Fauna Europaea).
NBN Atlas links to known host species:
British and Irish Parasitoids in Britain and elsewhere: Currently unknown.
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