Stigmella betulicola
This record describes Stigmella betulicola (species). Recorded family: Nepticulidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan about 5 mm. The larva creates a contorted gallery mine in leaves of Birch (Betula), leaving a central irregular line of frass. The mine resembles that of S. luteella, but is far less contorted at the beginning. The larva shows a line of dark ventral spots, unlike that of luteella, and tends to have a darker brown head. Adult: Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required and the specimen should be examined with a microscope. In the comments box, state the key or ID method used and describe the size and identifying characters. It may not be possible to identify adults of this species, which are best reared or recorded from the leafmine. Leafmine: Unless identified by a recognised expert, a backlit photo of the mine and the larva is required. Found mainly where birch trees are growing. There are two generations, with moths on the wing in May and August, and leafmines visible in July and again from September to November. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as local. http://www.leafmines.co.uk/html/Lepidoptera/S.betulicola.htm https://bladmineerders.nl/parasites/animalia/arthropoda/insecta/lepidoptera/monotrysia/nepticuloidea/nepticulidae/stigmella/stigmella-betulicola/
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Nepticuloidea
- Family
- Nepticulidae
- Genus
- Stigmella
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Found mainly where birch trees are growing.
Seasonal Activity
There are two generations, with moths on the wing in May and August, and leafmines visible in July and again from September to November.
Additional species information
Recorded status
In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as local.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Stigmella betulicola. 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 betulicola (7)
Frequently Asked Questions About Stigmella betulicola
What is Stigmella betulicola?
Stigmella betulicola is a species in the family Nepticulidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Stigmella betulicola found?
Habitat: Found mainly where birch trees are growing.
When is Stigmella betulicola active?
Stigmella betulicola: seasonal activity - There are two generations, with moths on the wing in May and August, and leafmines visible in July and again from September to November..