Stigmella ruficapitella
This record describes Stigmella ruficapitella (species). Recorded family: Nepticulidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 4.5 to 6 mm. The adult moths are similar to several other species in the group, having uniform dark brownish wings with a bronzy sheen and it may not be possible to identify adult to species even by gen det. This species is best recorded from the leafmine on Oak. It takes the form of a long gallery, initially with narrow black frass, later becoming more dispersed. The egg is laid on the upperside of the leaf. The larva is whitish-yellow, head pale brown. Adult: It may not be possible to identify adults to species level, even by gen det. Leafmine: Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required. Please include a photograph showing the mine backlit to show the frass pattern. Please also state the host plant and most importantly the egg position on the leaf. Leafmine from June to November. Adults are on the wing from May to June and in July and August. The larvae feed in June and July and between September and November. The commonest of a complex of similar species which have oak (Quercus) as the foodplant. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as common. http://www.leafmines.co.uk/html/Lepidoptera/S.ruficapitella.htm https://bladmineerders.nl/parasites/animalia/arthropoda/insecta/lepidoptera/monotrysia/nepticuloidea/nepticulidae/stigmella/stigmella-ruficapitella/
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 Oak is present.
Seasonal Activity
Leafmine from June to November. Adults are on the wing from May to June and in July and August.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae feed in June and July and between September and November.
Additional species information
Recorded status
The commonest of a complex of similar species which have oak (Quercus) as the foodplant. 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 ruficapitella. 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 ruficapitella (7)
Frequently Asked Questions About Stigmella ruficapitella
What is Stigmella ruficapitella?
Stigmella ruficapitella is a species in the family Nepticulidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Stigmella ruficapitella found?
Habitat: Where Oak is present.
When is Stigmella ruficapitella active?
Stigmella ruficapitella: seasonal activity - Leafmine from June to November. Adults are on the wing from May to June and in July and August..
What is the life cycle of a Stigmella ruficapitella?
The larvae feed in June and July and between September and November.