Food Plant: Erigeron acris (Blue Fleabane)

Egg: laid on a flower

Mine: September-May

Notes: The larva feeds initially on the seeds in a case which is well hidden in the pappus (as shown). The case is trivalved, blackish, 5-6mm long with pappus hairs sometimes incorporated . The larva is fully fed in October and then enters diapause. Found in dry thin grasslands, waste ground and raodside verges. Can be locally common in Southern England.

Data: 10.x.2019, Aston Rowant, Oxon, VC23

Image:© Will Langdon