Stigmella basiguttella
This record describes Stigmella basiguttella (species). Recorded family: Nepticulidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
The larvae of Stigmella basiguttella produce leaf mines on Oak. This is a long sinuous gallery, widening gradually and filled with green frass, which becomes brown later in the year. The adult moth has a dark head, bronzy brown forewing with green tint and pale yellowish spot at base. Wingspan 4.5 to 6 mm. Adult moths are best confirmed microscopically. Wherever Oak, the larval foodplant is present. Adult: In two generations May-Jun. Jul-Aug. Leaf mine: June to Oct. Widespread and fairly frequent, particularly in south eastern England. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as common. http://www.leafmines.co.uk/html/Lepidoptera/S.basiguttella.htm https://bladmineerders.nl/parasites/animalia/arthropoda/insecta/lepidoptera/monotrysia/nepticuloidea/nepticulidae/stigmella/stigmella-basiguttella/
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera
- Family
- Nepticulidae
- Genus
- Stigmella
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Wherever Oak, the larval foodplant is present.
Seasonal Activity
Adult: In two generations May-Jun. Jul-Aug. Leaf mine: June to Oct.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larval foodplant is Oak.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread and fairly frequent, particularly in south eastern England. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as common.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Stigmella basiguttella. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Lepidoptera includes approximately 180,000 described species of butterflies and moths. Moths outnumber butterflies roughly 10:1. The monarch butterfly's eastern population has declined by more than 80% since the mid-1990s, and the western population by over 95% since the 1980s. The IUCN lists the migratory monarch as Vulnerable.
Ecological role of the group
Butterflies and moths are essential indicators of ecosystem health. As caterpillars, they are a primary food source for birds - a single nest of blue tit chicks requires ~10,000 caterpillars. Adult moths pollinate many night-blooming plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Lepidoptera are critical pollinators. In Europe, grassland butterfly species have declined by almost 50% since the early 1990s. In the UK, three-quarters of butterflies are in decline. In the U.S., five butterfly species have gone extinct since 1950, with 29 listed as endangered.
Recorded sources for this group: IUCN Red List, Xerces Society, USFWS, PNAS, WWF. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Stigmella basiguttella (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Stigmella basiguttella
What is Stigmella basiguttella?
Stigmella basiguttella is a species in the family Nepticulidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Stigmella basiguttella found?
Habitat: Wherever Oak, the larval foodplant is present.
When is Stigmella basiguttella active?
Stigmella basiguttella: seasonal activity - Adult: In two generations May-Jun. Jul-Aug. Leaf mine: June to Oct..
What is the life cycle of a Stigmella basiguttella?
The larval foodplant is Oak.