Orchestes rusci

A tiny weevil of just over 2 mm in length. The larva mines Birch leaves, creating a broad gallery leading eventually to a hole in the leaf where the larva has cut out a circular leaf sandwich.  This falls to the ground with the larva inside, and it pupates in leaf litter.  

The only other leaf miner on birch that creates holes in Birch leaves is the moth Heliozela hammoniella.  Other Orchestes mine leaves of differnt tree species

Ault Mine

Adult: Unless identified by a recognised expert, photographic evidence of the adult is required and the specimen should be examined with a microscope. In the comments box, state the key or ID method used. Note the beetle's size and describe the identifying characters. It is advisable to retain the specimen in case further checks are needed. If the mine is recorded, provide a backlit photograph showing the gallery and leaf excision or larva in the mine.

Associated with Birch.

Peak time to search for adults is from May to September.

Larvae mine the leaves of Birch from late Spring.

Widespread and fairly frequent in Britain.

Occasional in Leicestershire and Rutland.

http://www.leafmines.co.uk/html/Coleoptera/o.rusci.htm

https://bladmineerders.nl/parasites/animalia/arthropoda/insecta/coleoptera/polyphaga/cucujiformia/curculionoidea/curculionidae/curculioninae/rhamphinini/orchestes/orchestes-rusci/