Stigmella floslactella
This record describes Stigmella floslactella (species). Recorded family: Nepticulidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan about 6 mm. The larva mines the leaves of Hazel and possibly Hornbeam. Stigmella floslactella are generally wider, less angular and contain more scattered frass than those of S. microtheriella . The egg is underside, in a leaf-axil, and the larva mines venter (underside) down. Stigmella microtheriella on Hazel and Hornbeam, and Stigmella carpinella on Hornbeam Care is needed when trying to separate from those of Stigmella microtheriella . The most reliable method of identification for this species is the egg position, S.floslactella lays an egg always on underside in a vein axil whereas S.microtheriella lays it often on or near a vein, but not in the axil. Areas where the larval foodplants are present. There are two generations, with adults on the wing in May and August. This species feeds on Hazel or Hornbeam and its larval mines are often found alongside that of Stigmella microtheriella in the same leaf. The larval mines can be found in June-July, but more often in September-October. A widespread and fairly common species across most of the British Isles. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as common. http://www.leafmines.co.uk/html/Lepidoptera/S.floslactella.htm
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
Areas where the larval foodplants are present.
Seasonal Activity
There are two generations, with adults on the wing in May and August.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
This species feeds on Hazel or Hornbeam and its larval mines are often found alongside that of
Additional species information
Recorded status
A widespread and fairly common species across most of the British Isles. 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 floslactella. 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 floslactella (5)
Frequently Asked Questions About Stigmella floslactella
What is Stigmella floslactella?
Stigmella floslactella is a species in the family Nepticulidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Stigmella floslactella found?
Habitat: Areas where the larval foodplants are present.
When is Stigmella floslactella active?
Stigmella floslactella: seasonal activity - There are two generations, with adults on the wing in May and August..
What is the life cycle of a Stigmella floslactella?
This species feeds on Hazel or Hornbeam and its larval mines are often found alongside that of