Stigmella obliquella
This record describes Stigmella obliquella (species). Recorded family: Nepticulidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 4 to 5 mm. The larva mines the leaves of various smooth leaved willows - e.g. Crack Willow and Weeping Willow. causing an angular gallery mine Photogrpah mine with backlight, and note host species (or group - e.g. 'a Wiilow') The adult moths emerge in two generations: in May and August. The eggs of this species are laid on either side of the leaves of one of the smooth-leaved willows. The yellow larvae emerge in June and September and create a narrow mine, often parallel to the rib of the leaf. The moth is widely distributed, but not particularly common in most of Britain. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as local. http://www.leafmines.co.uk/html/Lepidoptera/S.obliquella.htm https://bladmineerders.nl/parasites/animalia/arthropoda/insecta/lepidoptera/monotrysia/nepticuloidea/nepticulidae/stigmella/stigmella-obliquella/
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
Where smooth-leaved willows occur.
Seasonal Activity
The adult moths emerge in two generations: in May and August.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The eggs of this species are laid on either side of the leaves of one of the smooth-leaved willows. The yellow larvae emerge in June and September and create a narrow mine, often parallel to the rib of the leaf.
Additional species information
Recorded status
The moth is widely distributed, but not particularly common in most of Britain. 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 obliquella. 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 obliquella (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Stigmella obliquella
What is Stigmella obliquella?
Stigmella obliquella is a species in the family Nepticulidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Stigmella obliquella found?
Habitat: Where smooth-leaved willows occur.
When is Stigmella obliquella active?
Stigmella obliquella: seasonal activity - The adult moths emerge in two generations: in May and August..
What is the life cycle of a Stigmella obliquella?
The eggs of this species are laid on either side of the leaves of one of the smooth-leaved willows. The yellow larvae emerge in June and September and create a narrow mine, often parallel to the rib of the leaf.