Yorkshire Status: Local resident.

This might not be the commonest of the oak-feeding Phyllonorycter species but it is probably the most attractive. That is reflected in its name - lautella literally meaning "well-washed"! It is also the only one where you have a fighting chance in identifying it from its leaf mine. It is fairly well distributed across the county but surprisingly has not (yet) been found in VC65. The lower surface tentiform mines are remarkably long - greater than 20mm, and extend from the midrib between two veins and extending most of the way to the leaf margin. There is a single central crease which may divide into a Y near the end. There are usually several mines on a single leaf. It is said to favour seedling oaks, though others say it favours leaves high in the canopy. It is well worth breeding it out just to have a look at the rather splendid adult.

Sutton & Beaumont, 1989: Local and uncommon.

	Mine: Either the leaf or a good photograph required

Recorded in 35 (18%) of 200 10k Squares. First Recorded in 1859. Last Recorded in 2023. Additional Stats

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