Food Plant: Ruta chalepensis (Fringed Rue), R.graveolens (Common Rue)

Egg: underside the leaf, away from the edge

Mine: Continuously brooded or possibly four generations: April-May; July-August; September; October-November

Notes: The moth was discovered in London in 2003- 2007(Agassiz, 2007) and subsequently found in urban locations in the south east of England by 2016 (Agassiz & Kiddle, 2016). The life history was unknown until Plant (2016) was able to elucidate this. The egg (as shown) is laid on the lower leaf surface. The first instar larvae mine within the upper surface of a leaf and exit on the upper side. Subsequent larval instars mine the leaves full depth and move frequently to other leaves. The final instar larva may mine a leaf or feed externally. The pupa is formed in loosely spun leaves and hangs head down, attached by the cremaster. Pupation lasts around 7 days. The newly emerged adults drop to the ground when disturbed.

Data: x.2016, Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire, VC20

Image:© Colin Plant