Food Plant: Impatiens spp. (Balsam) -particularly I.noli-tangere (Touch-me-not Balsam) and I.parviflora (Small Balsam), I. balfourii (Balfour's Balsam)

Mine: July-August

Pupa: Pupation external; puparium reddish-brown; posterior spiracles each with 3 spiracular pores

Notes: The larva forms a narrow linear mine in the first instar, later producing a large irregular whitish blotch with conspicuous black frass. The mine, on Himalayan Balsam, is shown in transmitted and reflected light (top:bottom photos). The species is widespread in Europe, including Denmark,Finland, Norway and Sweden, and is also recorded from Canada and the U.S.A

Data: 30.vi.2019, Leominster, Herefordshire, VC36

Image:© Melissa Banthorpe