Phyllonorycter acerifoliella taken on field maple
phyllonorycter ulmifoliella taken on birch
phylllonorycter quinnata taken on hornbeamNew Arrivals
The first on the leaf mines that I collected last autumn have emerged. Six different species of phyllonorycters have emerged as adults today. The life cycle of these micro moths is interesting.The adults lay an egg on a leaf of a certain plant species( Some species will only use one type of host plant others are less specific). When the larva emerges from the egg it eats its way between the upper and lower epidermis of the leaf. When it is fully fed it pupates inside the leaf and then emerges as an adult to breed and start the cycle all over again.
These moths are only tiny being about 5 mm long but when viewed through a hand glass they are really beautiful little creatures.
The first on the leaf mines that I collected last autumn have emerged. Six different species of phyllonorycters have emerged as adults today. The life cycle of these micro moths is interesting.The adults lay an egg on a leaf of a certain plant species( Some species will only use one type of host plant others are less specific). When the larva emerges from the egg it eats its way between the upper and lower epidermis of the leaf. When it is fully fed it pupates inside the leaf and then emerges as an adult to breed and start the cycle all over again.
These moths are only tiny being about 5 mm long but when viewed through a hand glass they are really beautiful little creatures.
Also today a brimstone flew over the garden and a newly emerged angleshades moth was hanging its wings out to dry under the garage window sill.
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