I collected 6 of these distinctive snail-trail mines from a Hybrid Black Poplar (Populus x canadensis) growing on the Taff riverbank in Llandaff North yesterday. The mines are hard to spot from some angles, though obvious when the sun is slanting across them as in the photo.
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| Phyllocnistis unipunctella mines |
I didn't have to wait long for results - 2 adults emerged this morning.
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| Phyllocnistis unipunctella |
The cocoons are formed in a distinctive folded leaf edge.
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| Phyllocnistis unipunctella cocoon & exuviae |
I also found numerous mines of this species on Lombardy Poplar in Fairwater Park last week. I've struggled to find them in previous years so it seems they are having a good season. In Glamorgan this species has only been recorded in Cardiff and the eastern Vale - it seems like now is a good time to look for it further west.
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Congratulations George. I will certainly have a look for this.
ReplyDeleteand it's here in Gowerton. Mines and cocoons on poplars 100 yards away.
ReplyDeleteExcellent! I must have a look for it in Swansea...
ReplyDelete