Hello, and Help

[barnacal]

Hello, and Help:

This is my first intro into leaf mines, probably too early as I am still new to macros.
Today I looked at my Pyracantha being aware of Fire Thorn Leaf Mine and found lots of rolled leaves. On examination I took the following three pics.

Firstly, is this Fire Thorn Leaf MIne and what is the a time when it may emerge as an adult moth ?

Help appreciated.
Barry

[SteveH]

Hi Barry,

Not sure you have Leucographella as the larva looks the wrong colour. Typically their mine is along the midrib and looks like a skin blister - adults can emerge from April onward and can be common.

Cheers,
Steve

[stevehind]

Hi Barry,

Yes, this is Firethorn Leaf Miner Phyllonorycter leucographella. With the leaves being so small, the mine frequently covers all the leaf and as the mine grows it often folds upwards into a pod as shown on your first photo.

Regards,
Steve

[SteveH]

..... so why is the larva orange and not white Steve ?
That was what was throwing me off the scent.

Cheers,
Steve

[stevehind]

Maybe it was about to pupate.
Larvae often change colour just prior to pupation.

Regards,
Steve