Food Plant: Centaurea scabiosa (Greater Knapweed), C.nigra sl (Common Knapweed)

Mine: August-September

Notes: After intially forming narrow mines along the midrib, with diverticula besides veins, blotches are formed, within which frass is deposited (as shown). The larvae are intially a pale yellowish to yellowish brown but then change colour shortly before pupation. They form crimson dorsal and subdorsal lines along the body. Pupation is external. The pupa is reddish to yellowish brown (Beavan & Heckford, 2024). A rare leaf miner. Formerly Scrobipalpa pauperella. Pre-pupation larva ex mine on C.nigra sl , Identity confirmed with DNA barcoding.

Data: 13.viii.2023, Buckinghamshire, VC24

Image:© Will Langdon