Food Plant: Beta vulgaris ssp. maritima (Sea Beet), B vulgaris ssp. vulgaris (Sugar Beet)

Egg: on or near the foodplant

Mine: October-May; June-August

Notes: Feeds in mined leaves, or leaves which may be spun untidily together; also in buds and stems. The leaves may be rolled in the vicinity of mines. The mine is without frass as this is deposited in a web at the mine entrance. Found on salt marshes and areas of coastal shingle primarily in the south of England. Found feedding in the roots and crowns of sugar beet causing some damage (as shown). The black frass accumulates in the crown.

Data: 17.x.2022, Hilgay, Norfolk, VC28

Image:© Rob Edmunds