Description

Adult

Wingspan of 15-20 mm. Forewings are ash grey occasionally with a blue tinge. Hindwings are grey-brown.

Larvae

First instars are orange coloured with a brown head, measuring ca. 1 mm in length. The final instar is 14-15 mm in length, pale ochreous in colour, with the anal and prothoracic plates darker coloured.

Eggs

Initially yellowish in colour and becoming orange, 1 mm in length. Typically laid on the bark of trees.

Distribution

Europe

Economic Host(s)

Flax and cereals.

Symptoms/Signs

First instars mine leaves forming irregular blotch like mines. Later instars feed on the uppermost leaves and ears, where the most serious damage occurs.

Generations:

1 (climate dependent)