Firethorn Leaf Miner vs Four-spotted Footman Moth
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Firethorn Leaf Miner | Four-spotted Footman Moth |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Phyllonorycter leucographella | Lithosia quadra |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Gracillariidae | Erebidae |
| Size | 7-8 mm wingspan | 35-55 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Underground | Woodlands |
| Diet | Herbivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Southern Europe, spreading north | Europe, Western Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Firethorn Leaf Miner
A tiny moth whose larvae create blister mines on pyracantha leaves. Originally from southern Europe, it has spread rapidly northward. Mines cause silvery blotches on leaves.
Did You Know?
First recorded in Britain in 1989 and spread across the country within a decade on planted pyracantha hedges.
Four-spotted Footman Moth
A large footman moth with strong sexual dimorphism; males are grey with two forewing spots, females yellow with four large blue-black spots. Females are significantly larger than males.
Did You Know?
When handled, it can exude a yellow fluid from its thorax that stains skin.