4.064 BF44

Trifurcula headleyella

(Stainton, 1854)

Wingspan c. 5mm

A very local species, found only in certain parts of the southern English counties between Dorset and Kent, occurring on chalk downs.

The larvae feed on self-heal (Prunella vulgaris), typically where the foodplant is found in long grass. They create a long, narrow mine in the leaves, with a thin line of frass. A larva can work its way through two or three leaves.

The adults occur between May and August, possibly in more than one generation. Leaf mines can be found between July and October.