Food Plant: Solanum dulcamara (Bittersweet)

Egg: Site unknown

Mine: May, August, September, December

Notes: Larvae live in the midrib and make irregular blotch mines from there (as shown). The mines may or may not contain frass. Older mines are brown and may reach the leaf margin. The larvae may also live in spinnings between leaves or even in the berries. Found throughout England and Wales, being more local in Ireland and Scotland.

National Status: Common

Bradley No: 819

Gelechiid Recording Scheme: http://www.gelechiid.co.uk/species/scrobipalpa-costella

Data: 24.x.2010, Bridgemere, Cheshire VC58

Image:© Steve Hind