Food Plant: Carex spp., such as C.flacca (Blue Sedge), C.arenaria (Sand Sedge)

Egg: laid on the leaf

Mine: September-May; June-July

Notes: Initially a thin gallery is formed towards the leaf tip. After 2-3cms the mine turns downwards and broadens. It then becomes whitish and inflated. Found in heaths and grasslands throughout England and Wales. The ovum is laid on the upperside of the leaf and usually remains in place, as here on Carex flacca. The thin initial brownish mine is then visible next to the egg.

Data: 22.x.2023, Aston Rowant NNR, Oxfordshire, VC23

Image:© Will Langdon