What causes the pale, squiggly trails commonly referred to as 'leaf mines' on standard lettuce?
Answer
The tunneling of larvae from certain small flies or moths.
Leaf miners are the larval stage of specific small flies or moths that feed by tunneling directly between the upper and lower surfaces of the leaf tissue.
Related Questions
Why was Miner's Lettuce historically significant for gold miners in California?What is the scientific name associated with Miner's Lettuce?What characteristic leaf structure sets Miner's Lettuce apart from conventional lettuce?What causes the pale, squiggly trails commonly referred to as 'leaf mines' on standard lettuce?What textural change occurs when Miner's Lettuce is cooked?If a standard lettuce leaf (*Lactuca sativa*) has insect tunnels, is the entire leaf automatically unsafe to eat?What management technique is suggested to physically block flying adult leaf miners from laying eggs on lettuce beds?When preparing salvaged lettuce leaves with mining tracks, what practical step is recommended besides rinsing?What is the primary difference in pest-related acceptance between Miner's Lettuce and commercial romaine?In which environment does Miner's Lettuce typically thrive?