Leaf Mines

This is the annual reminder, as if it was still needed, that we are currently at peak leaf-mining season which means that records for many of our smallest micro-moths are out there to be had with only a little bit of effort.  Getting on for 40 species have been recorded this way in our garden during 2023 and additions to the year-list so far this month have included mines of Stigmella anomalella (on dog rose), Stigmella oxyacanthella (on apple), Stigmella salicis (on narrow-leaved sallow), Phyllonorycter emberizaepenella (on snowberry), Phyllonorycter klemannella (on alder), Phyllonorycter spinicolella (on blackthorn) & Phyllonorycter ulmifoliella (on birch).  All of these mines were active, meaning that there was a larva present (or in the case of Phyllonorycter emberizaepenella an intact pupal cocoon).

Stigmella anomalella on dog rose, Westcott

Phyllonorycter emberizaepenella on snowberry, Westcott

It is even worth searching amongst fallen leaves.  The image below shows an early mine of Stigmella luteella in a "green island" which was found on the lawn under one of our birch trees back in September.  Although most of the leaf is showing decay, the larva has caused a chemical reaction in a section of it to ensure that there is sufficient nourishment left to complete this part of its life cycle.

Stigmella luteella on birch, Westcott

Dave Wilton Westcott, Bucks