A Blog for moth recorders in Bucks, Berks and Oxon
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Saturday, 10 August 2019
Phyllonorycter acerifoliella?
Is this P. acerifoliella? It's on Field Maple but am not sure how to differentiate from some of the Caloptilia cones. The leaf doesn't have evidence of the initial triangular blotch of the latter.
Probably, but difficult to be sure without opening the mine. As I understand it, the initial feeding signs of Caloptilia species need not necessarily be on the same leaf. P.acerifoliella has two generations and should currently be in the adult stage so if that's what it is you should have a vacated mine. If you open it carefully you should be able to find evidence of the cocoon and pupal case.
Hi Nigel,
ReplyDeleteProbably, but difficult to be sure without opening the mine. As I understand it, the initial feeding signs of Caloptilia species need not necessarily be on the same leaf. P.acerifoliella has two generations and should currently be in the adult stage so if that's what it is you should have a vacated mine. If you open it carefully you should be able to find evidence of the cocoon and pupal case.
Thanks Dave. On opening it was vacated and apart, from some black frass, couldn't see anything else.
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