Leaf Mines

As if anyone needed reminding, the next couple of months are "peak season" for finding leaf mines and thus identifying some of our smallest and most difficult species.  I noticed two new mines for the garden here this afternoon, a couple of active blotch mines of Phyllonorycter rajella on alder and a vacated corridor mine of Stigmella speciosa on sycamore.  Phyllonorycter rajella is not new to the garden list because an adult was seen here back in 2013, but this is the first time I've noticed mines of anything other than the sawfly Fenusa dohrnii on our single six-year-old alder.  Stigmella speciosa, on the other hand, is completely new for the garden.  It is supposed to be a common species on sycamore but I've only seen it once before and there are fewer than 10 records for Bucks.

Stigmella speciosa on sycamore, Westcott 26th August

Stigmella speciosa on sycamore, Westcott 26th August

Dave Wilton
Westcott, Bucks