Going in circles

entomology, insects, leaf mines, moths
A Stigmella moth leaf mine in a bristly blackberry leaf.

While out one afternoon in my tamarack swamp hunting for dwarf mistletoe, the subject of a future post, I found this leaf mine in the leaf of a bristly blackberry. The blackberry is possibly Rubus flagellaris, but I’m still working out the identity of the species.

The leaf mine bears a strong resemblance to the leaf mines made by the larvae of the moth Stigmella villosella (Family Nepticulidae). Stigmella villosella is a specialist on Rubus species. The adult moths are minute with a wingspan of only 3 mm.

I doubt I’ll see this moth at my lights, but maybe next year, if I find an active leaf mine, I could raise the larva to maturity. I’m going to give it try anyway.

Another Rubus leaf, but without leaf mines, just a few holes all near the midvein made by some unknown insect.
Unknown's avatar

Published by Gary Walton

Naturalist and amateur photographer documenting the biodiversity in my small corner of the world.

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5 thoughts on “Going in circles”

  1. I see leaf miner tracks by the hundreds on wild sarsaparilla (Aralia nudicaulis) in late summer. I can’t remember if I’ve seen them on blackberry or not but goldenrods always seem to have a few as well.

    On another unrelated subject, I have eye operations for glaucoma coming up in November, each eye 2 weeks apart, so I won’t be posting anything on the blog during that time. I’d like to point people who read my blog in your direction, if you don’t mind.

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    1. I’ve been curious about these leaf mines for a while. I have seen them in Aralia nudicaulis, too., and other plant species. I’ve even seen them in water shield.

      I hope your operations go well and you can get back to writing about your hikes on the trails in your area. I find them fascinating and they remind me of where I lived when I was a lot younger.

      I’m fine with you pointing people to my blog. I really appreciate that.

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      1. Thanks Gary. I think it only took reading two of your posts to figure out that you were the real deal. I know the kind of time and effort that go into doing the posts that you do and I know that if I send people (nature nuts I call them) your way they won’t be disappointed. We nature nuts have to stick together.
        By the way, my name is Allen. I’m terrible with introductions.

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  2. Pingback: I found some more leaf mines – Not Very Far Away

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