Leaf-mine reminder

For those of you amongst the leaf-mining cognoscenti who are keen to see Stigmella crataegella on hawthorn, just a reminder that it is almost too late to look for it now!  It mines until early August but a check of the hawthorn in my garden today found only one tenanted mine amongst many that were already vacated.  There are only three records for Bucks and more would be appreciated as this is a common species.  The problem with leaving it until the usual autumn leaf-mining season is that the egg position, mine structure, frass and larval colour are identical to Stigmella oxyacanthella which mines during September and October.

Active mine of Stigmella crataegella, Westcott 28th July

Dave Wilton
Westcott, Bucks