Firethorn Leaf Miner vs Iron Prominent Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Firethorn Leaf Miner Iron Prominent Moth
Scientific Name Phyllonorycter leucographella Notodonta dromedarius
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Gracillariidae Notodontidae
Size 7-8 mm wingspan 40-48 mm wingspan
Habitat Underground Woodlands
Diet Herbivores Omnivores
Regions Southern Europe, spreading north Europe, 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.

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Did You Know?

First recorded in Britain in 1989 and spread across the country within a decade on planted pyracantha hedges.

Iron Prominent Moth

A richly colored moth with rusty-brown forewings marked with yellow and dark patches. Its caterpillar sports a dramatic dorsal hump like a dromedary camel.

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Did You Know?

Its scientific name dromedarius refers to the camel-like hump on its caterpillar's back.