Ectoedemia rubivora
Dewberry Dot

Wingspan c. 4.6-6mm

A single brooded species flying during June and July. The larvae mine leaves of Rubus species but favouring R. caesius. They pupate in a cocoon in the ground to overwinter.

The moth is dark winged with a dark head tuft and a white scape. There is an irregular white fascia. The moth can be identified by breeding out from a mine or by genitalia dissection.

Oviposition is on the underside of a leaf. The larva creates a contorted gallery that can be variable and may become a blotch. The frass is dispersed. The mines are usually clear and pale. They may be present in large numbers on a single bush, with many mines to each leaf.

Description: John Dothie