Thursday 12 March 2015

Miner Forty-Niner

Whilst it may be a little behind last year, I am once again on the cusp of 50 species for the year.

The majority of the list is of course made up of early stage micros and miners plus the customary January 1st tick of Raspberry Clearwing galls and larvae.

Raspberry Clearwing (Pennisetia hylaeiformis) larval gall


The usual suspects are also putting in an appearance at the garden trap, with numbers rising steadily over recent days, including Grey Shoulder-knot, Dotted Border, Oak Beauty and Clouded Drab

Grey Shoulder-knot (Lithophane ornitopus)

Dotted Border (Agriopis marginaria) squadron

Oak Beauty (Biston strataria) and 2 Clouded Drab (Orthosia incerta)


...and apologies for the dodgy reference to a Scooby Doo villain, couldn't resist given that it's leaf miners that have contributed most significantly to the year total to date...

Ectoedemia  heringella mines on Quercus ilex

Ectoedemia heringella tenanted mines