Some greenery...

As with trapping, I`v done comparatively little leaf mining this year, but here are a couple of interesting records, both made by chance.

The first relates to Mompha terminiella, which feeds on enchanter`s nightshade. I chanced on some mines when I was trying to relocate an old late 1970s record of mine of twayblade Listera ovata. I failed regarding latter as estate staff had been clearing timber and the area was covered with trash, but I spotted the Mompha as compensation. I`ve had this local species just once before - again in Stradey Woods.

                                        Above: Mompha terminiella, Stradey Woods, Llanelli.

The second record of note is of Eriocrania sparrmannella, spotted as I sat on my garden bench, adjacent to a birch that I`d planted back in autumn 1971. Through the sunlight I noticed a mine and collected it. 

Above: mine of E. sparrmannella. Note the squarish/rectangular shape and reddish frass.

Above: larva extracted from the mine. Needed for final confirmation as sparrmannella (conf. later by specialists). It`s a late miner - most Eriocrania spp. are spring miners. I subsquently recorded it at other Llanelli area sites.