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The first Derbyshire record was from Calke Park, Ticknall in 2005 and for Nottinghamshire at Eakring in 2007. Since then there have been reports from the south and north of both counties so the moth is obviously taking advantage of any available host tree in the region. Indeed, it is now recorded from many parts of South Yorkshire.
It is now an appropriate time to establish the distribution of the moth in the two counties so records of the leaf-mines are being sort. The close-up view of the blotched area shows the pale blisters which generally lay between two veins of the leaf. Many mines can be present on the same leaf and when fresh look pale translucent green. If the leaf is held up to light one might also be able to see the small larva up 4mm long. The mines can be searched for when they are well developed and while ever the leaves are on the trees, so September – October is a good time. Earlier in the year the blotch is small and circular and not so obvious.
Please record the site name and nearest village or town, the grid reference to 6-figures, the date and your details as the recorder. Send reports either by post (121 Wood Lane, Newhall, Swadlincote, Derbys, DE11 0LX) or via email to dbud01@aol.com
Please record all sites with trees which have been infected but also report any trees which do not have the mines. The latter records will show how the insect might be spreading.
The Horse Chestnut Leaf-miner is a brightly coloured species with some metallic scaling. It does not generally come to a light trap but can be seen by sweeping the host tree branches in late spring.
Further information can be obtained from web sites:
Eakringbirds
UKmoths
British leafminers |
