GREENWOOD
Nature and the neighbourhood
Horse Chestnut Leaf Miners
The foliage on the village horse chestnut trees may seem to have been changing to autumn colours for many months already. Look closely and there is a sort of pattern to the dying patches on the leaves. These patches are where a small caterpillar has been eating its way to fatness and maturity between the inner and outer layers of the leaf, following paths between the veins. The small moth that lays its eggs on the leaves is a native of the continent but warmer weather has enabled it to extend its range further north to Britain where it now flourishes. The infestation has an effect on the tree but only in a general way because the tree does not die and can still produce conkers. At this time of year the damage inflicted on the leaves is made more dramatic in appearance because of the dying back of the leaves. I have written in greater detail about this on earlier posts over on Jessica’s Nature Blog if you want to click the links below to read them:
GREENWOOD 
Somehow I am intrigued by the life these little miners lead. Once again proving nature can do anything.
Thank you, Claudia.
Obviously, it has been a good year for horse-chestnut leaf miners. We observed massive infestations here in Germany too. 🍂
Thank you, Markus.