Welcome to the recording blog for the Carmarthenshire Moth and Butterfly Group. Could members please add any moth or butterfly records or any general items of interest by making a new post. Although everyone can comment on a post you will have to be a member to add a new post.
Friday 7 September 2018
Stigmella myrtillella
After Sam found this species in Gwent last year, I've been looking out for it in Glamorgan and found mines on Bilberry at Seven Sisters last week. On a brief balsam-pulling visit to Median Farm on Wednesday I stopped for a check of the Bilberry growing on one of the shaded hedgebanks and immediately found a vacated mine. According to Sam's 2016 list there are just three previous records, the last being in 2004.
There should soon be second generation mines of this species and it will be possible to spot mines until the Bilberry leaves drop in late October/November. Well worth a search if you have the plant locally. I've found it in both shaded and open situations, though it may prefer a bit of shelter.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Well done George...it`s something that I must look for if I`m anywhere near bilberry. Something for our `more upland` recorders to be aware of too.
ReplyDeleteSadly not trapping tonight as heavy rain at `trap inspection time` tomorrow!