Food Plant: Tussilago farfara (Colt's-foot)

Egg: site unknown

Mine: July-August; October-November

Notes: Forms an upper surface mine, with the surounding area turning purple (as shown). The frass is accumulated in one place in the mine and the larva may conceal itself under this. Found on small plants near the sea-shore, where there is little vegetation. A rare miner, found in Devon, Dorset and Hampshire. Mine on Tussilago farfara with transmitted light, the larva is visible feeding in one part of the mine, while another arm is filled with frass as is typical. Larvae will retreat rapidly into the darker central part of the mine when disturbed.

Data: 15.x.2024, Devon, VC3

Image:© Will Langdon