Strange grubs on fern, anyone know what they are?

witchy.poos13_CvcKnS9 · July 2022

Hi all, just popping on to see if anyone knows what these are. I've never seen them before. Had the fern for many years, problem free but noticed it had lots of brown marks on the leaves. These guys are all over the back of the damaged leaves. Inside each sawdust looking pile (I assume grub poop) is a tiny grub. Weird little critters. Tried to get a pic of the grub but couldn't quite get it in focus, you can get the idea though. Anyone know what they are? How to get rid without chemicals? Thanks.

Slow-worm · July 2022

Could be this?
https://www.naturespot.org.uk/species/psychoides-filicivora

witchy.poos13_CvcKnS9 · July 2022

Thank you, that's indeed what they are. I knew someone would know! Link here showing the sawdust looking deposits if anyone's interested. If they're unlikely to damage anything else and they don't grow much bigger then I may let them be........
https://www.ukmoths.org.uk/species/psychoides-filicivora/feeding-signs/

Slow-worm · July 2022

I hadn't got a clue! I just googled it. 🤣 Thanks, I've learned a new thing!

bcpathome · July 2022

Every day’s a school day ,I’ve learned something new too

Strange grubs on fern, anyone know what they are?

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