Phyllonorycter apparella (Herrich-Schäffer, 1855)
aspen midget

Populus tremula, Belgium, prov. Hainaut, Hensies; © Jean-Yves Baugnée

underside: unfortunately, the mine was vacated
mine
Lower-surface tentiform mine with 1-2 strong folds. Frass clumped in a corner of the mine. Pupa in the mine, in a large white cocoon.
host plants
Salicaceae, monophagous
Populus x canescens, tremula.
Delplanque (1998a), Kollár (2007a), and Kollár & Hrubík (2009a) additionally mention P. alba, nigra, and simonii.
phenology
Larvae in June, then again in August – October (Hering, 1957a).
BENELUX
BE recorded (Phegea, 2010).
NE The record for the Netherlands by Kuchlein & Kuchlein-Nijsten (2002b) has been retracted (2003a).
LUX not recorded (Fauna Europaea, 2010).
distribution within Europe
Missing from the Iberian and Balkan Peninsula, and the Mediterranean Islands (Fauna Europaea, 2010). Missing also from the British Isles, but a vagrant has been found in Scotland (Riddiford & Young).
pupa
Gregor & Patočka (2001a) give a detailed description. The pupa is blackish brown. The cremaster is rounded, broader than long. Of the usual two pairs of spines the outer is almost, the inner one seemingly entirely, absent. See also Patočka & Turčáni (2005a).
synonyms
Lithocolletis apparella.
notes
Rare species.
references
Arru (1996a), Bengtsson & Johansson (2011a), Buszko (1987a, 1992b), Davis & Deschka (2001a), Delplanque (1998a), Gregor & Patočka (2001a), Hering (1957a), Kollár (2007a), Kollár & Hrubík (2009a), Kuchlein & Kuchlein-Nijsten (2002b, 20903), Nel & Varenne (2014a), Patočka & Turčáni (2005a), De Prins (1998a), De Prins & Steeman (2014a), Riddiford & Young (2016a), Schütze (1931a), Szőcs (1977a, 1981a), Yefremova & Kravchenko (2015a).