General comments:
Naming leaf mines on broad-leaved (rough leaved) Salix can be problematic. Recent investigation of the DNA bar-code has revealed that S. salicis is in fact a mix of several "clusters" (each of which is probably a separate species). Research is ongoing, but there are consistent differences between the clusters. It is important to record egg position when recording this species (upper side or underside). It is also important to record the species of sallow being mined, e.g., Grey (Salix cinerea), Goat (S. caprea), Eared (S. aurita). If in any doubt, ask a botanist! The track of the mine in the leaf blade may also vary; voucher specimens are desirable (it is best to record all the details first, but pressing the leaves and retention in a herbarium will preserve such features).

Separation of members of the S. salicis complex from S. obliqua should ideally be confirmed by looking at the caterpillar (use transmitted light through the leaf and a x10 lens). Both are amber yellow in colour. salicis has a pale brown head but that of obliqua is darker. The clincher is the (often obscure) line of pear-shaped dots along the mid-line of the underside - quite absent from salicis. The moth is abundant on sallow leaves wherever these are found, but population densities may vary enormously from year to year. Confusion of the larval mine is also possible with some species of Diptera.

	Mine: Either the leaf or a good photograph required

Recorded in 32 (78%) of 41 10k Squares. First Recorded in 1980. Last Recorded in 2024. Additional Stats

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