Stigmella tiliae
This record describes Stigmella tiliae (species). Recorded family: Nepticulidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 4.5 to 6 mm. Similar to many other Stigmella, having plain dark bronzy brown fore-wings, a white collar and eye-caps. The larva mines the leaves of Lime. The adult flies from May to August in two generations. The larvae mine the leaves of Lime (Tilia species), mainly Tilia cordata (Small-leaved Lime), during July and August to October. The larvae are pale yellow with a brownish head. Found locally through England and Wales (Mainly from East Wales to East Anglia). In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as local. http://www.leafmines.co.uk/html/Lepidoptera/S.tiliae.htm https://bladmineerders.nl/parasites/animalia/arthropoda/insecta/lepidoptera/monotrysia/nepticuloidea/nepticulidae/stigmella/stigmella-tiliae/
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
Woodland and areas with Lime.
Seasonal Activity
The adult flies from May to August in two generations.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae mine the leaves of Lime (Tilia species), mainly Tilia cordata (Small-leaved Lime), during July and August to October. The larvae are pale yellow with a brownish head.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Found locally through England and Wales (Mainly from East Wales to East Anglia). 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 tiliae. 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 tiliae (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Stigmella tiliae
What is Stigmella tiliae?
Stigmella tiliae is a species in the family Nepticulidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Stigmella tiliae found?
Habitat: Woodland and areas with Lime.
When is Stigmella tiliae active?
Stigmella tiliae: seasonal activity - The adult flies from May to August in two generations..
What is the life cycle of a Stigmella tiliae?
The larvae mine the leaves of Lime (Tilia species), mainly Tilia cordata (Small-leaved Lime), during July and August to October. The larvae are pale yellow with a brownish head.