Food Plant: Polygonum aviculare (Knotgrass)

Egg: laid on the flower

Mine: July-April

Notes: The larva causes a gall to be formed in the floret which is 15mm long and 3mm broad. It often becomes a yellow or reddish colour. The larva chewsan exit hole in the gall and overwinters in it before emerging in the spring. Formerly thought to be extinct in Britain before being rediscovered in Wiltshire in 2023 - the adults being attracted to Plusia lures for Silver Y and Ni moth. the galls subsequently were found.

Data: 22.ix.2026, Pitton, Wiltshire, VC8

Image:© Laurie Evans