It’s what’s inside that matters #2

Another internal feeding larva that can be found overwinter is Metzneria aestivella.

Look  inside the seed heads of Carline Thistle: I’d recommend wearing gloves!  The presence of larva is often betrayed by a slight ‘untidy’ look to the seed head.  There’s usually multiple larvae present.

I’ve recorded these from several sites across East Kent, from Folkestone Warren to Fowlmead CP; finding them particularly abundant at the latter site.

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