Mompha lacteella

Description

Mompha lacteella is a moth in the Momphidae family. It is found in most of Europe, except the southern parts of the continent. In the east, the range extends through Asia Minor, the Caucasus, eastern Transcaucasia and southern Siberia to the Russian Far East. The wingspan is 11–13 mm. Adults are on wing from June to the beginning of May. The larvae feed on Epilobium hirsutum and Epilobium montanum. They mine the leaves of their host plant. The mine consists of a large full depth blotch in the lower leaves. Most frass is deposited in coarse grains. The larva may leave the mine and restart elsewhere. Pupation takes place inside the mine or in the ground. Larvae can be found from March to April. They are yellowish pink to purple brown with a black head.