Firethorn Leaf Miner vs Oberthur's Grizzled Skipper
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Firethorn Leaf Miner | Oberthur's Grizzled Skipper |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Phyllonorycter leucographella | Pyrgus armoricanus |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Gracillariidae | Hesperiidae |
| Size | 7-8 mm wingspan | 24-28 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Underground | Grasslands |
| Diet | Herbivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Southern Europe, spreading north | Southern and central Europe, North Africa |
| 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.
Oberthur's Grizzled Skipper
A small greyish-brown skipper with white spots, very similar to related species but with distinct underside markings. It prefers warmer, drier habitats than most other grizzled skippers.
Did You Know?
It can produce two or three generations per year in warm Mediterranean climates but only one in the north.