Elachista eleochariella

Description

Elachista eleochariella is a moth of the family Elachistidae. It is found from northern Europe and northern Russia to the Pyrenees and Alps and from Ireland to Romania. It is also found in North America. The wingspan is 7–8 millimetres (0.28–0.31 in). The larvae feed on Carex flacca, Carex panicea, Carex nigra, Eleocharis palustris and Eriophorum angustifolium. The larvae form an upper-surface mine, starting just under the tip of the leaf. They first form a corridor which runs upwards, then doubles, widening all the while, with the final part taking about half the width of the leaf. Pupation takes place outside of the mine.