Species of the Month: Nov/Dec 2016

Holly Leaf-miner Phytomyza ilicis

 

Leaf-mines are the trails / damage caused by the larvae of various insects, such as moths and flies. Leaf-mines on Holly are always the work of the fly Phytomyza ilicis, making it very easy to identify this species (assuming you can identify Holly!). The leaf-mine is a pale green/ dark brown blotch on the upper leaf surface, sometimes displaying the winding path taken by the larva when feeding.

Despite Holly Leaf-miner being widespread and easy to identify, SEWBReC holds just 174 records in our database (view the Welsh distribution on Aderyn here).

More information about Holly Leaf-miner can be found on the useful website the leaf and stem mines of British flies and other insects.

If you spot Holly Leaf-miner during this winter (or at any other time of year), please send us the record, ideally via SEWBReCORD or the LERC Wales App. Instructions on how to submit records are available here

Please note, you must include a photograph of the mine for a record to be accepted by the National Recording Scheme.