Food Plant: Carex nigra (Common Sedge), Carex panicea (Carnation Sedge)

Mine: May

Notes: The larva forms a mine from the base of the leaf to the tip, which never crosses the midrib. It then mines down the opposite side of the midrib and the mine gradually becomes wider and is filled with dark frass. The early larvae appear yellowish, with blackish heads, whereas later larvae appear greenish-grey or grey with blackish heads (as shown). The larva and pupa was first illustrated in 2013 (Beavan & Heckford, 2013, Biselachista eleochariella (Stainton, 1851) (Lepidoptera: Elachistidae): an account of the larval stage. Entomologist’s Gazette 64: 209–215).Found locally in wet marshy peaty areas throughout Britain. Formerly 628 Biselachista eleochariella.

National Status: Nationally scarce A

Bradley No: 628

Data: 13.v.2012 ex mine 08.v.2012, Duartmore Burn, West Sutherland, VC108, S. D. Beavan/R. J. Heckford

Image:© S. D. Beavan/R. J. Heckford