Pond dipping

Whilst looking for a rare Coleophora in Norfolk on New Years Day I noticed some reedmace with damage to the seedheads (see below).

This rang a vague bell about 898 Limnaecia phragmitella so I picked a seedhead to have a look for larvae. I expected the larvae to be hidden within the seedhead but they were feeding on the outside. This species will feed on both Common and Lesser Reedmace.

Finishing off Holm Oak

Below are upper and underside views of the blotch mine caused by Phyllonorycter messaniella on Holm Oak. At this time of year the underside 'skin' of the leaf mine is often torn but it should still be recognisable.
If the mine is intact, note the crease which is a feature of many Phyllonorycter mines.