Tomato leaf miner and Hollesley early October.

We have all been aware of the invasion of immigrants at the start of the month on the strong southerly winds. Matthew Deans presented me with a micro for identification that was taken at MV light at Bawdsey Hall on Saturday 5th when the ‘front of the invasion’ reached Bawdsey. The moth that resembled a small spotted Scrobipalpa proved to be a male Tuta absoluta, the tomato leaf miner also known as the South American tomato moth. This moth has become a serious pest in tomato (and other Solanaceae) crops around the Mediterranean since its discovery in Spain in 2006. There have to the best of my knowledge been three outbreaks in the UK but these are associated with tomato growing or packaging facilities. Its arrival naturally by immigration is a potentially worrying development. The species is however reportedly unable to survive temperatures below freezing and its development ceases below about seven centigrade and so is unlikely to survive British winters in most parts of the country. One was recorded for Bawdsey. How many others arrived on the immigrant invasion? One to look out for, especially if you grow tomatoes in a greenhouse. Additional information can be picked up on UK Moths and www.tutaabsoluta.com

KONICA MINOLTA DIGITAL CAMERAAs for my catches during early October: I have taken a number of the commoner of the immigrants, Plutella xylostella, Rush Veneer, Vestal, Dark Swordgrass, Delicate, Scarce Bordered Straw and Silver Y, also two Convolvulus Hawk-moths but nothing more exiting.

Total species catches have been in the 40s. The usual autumn species have all been picked up this year except for any Chestnut or Dark Chestnut. November Moth commenced on 6th. Have also seen a lot of rather out of season moths: Small Fan-footed Wave, Willow Beauty, Common Marbled Carpet, Brimstone, Buff Footman, Rosy Footman and Common Rustic. Could any of these be immigrant?

This entry was posted in Sightings, Things to search for. Bookmark the permalink.