Resident. Widespread and locally common throughout
Britain as far north as Aberdeenshire.
Montgomeryshire Status
A handful of records, mainly from the southern half of the county.
Wingspan
:
M & F, 4-5mm.
Confusion species
Many species of Stigmella are similar. A good way of separating them is
to examine the type of leaf-mine in the foodplant.
Flight time & Voltinity
(Univoltine?)
Habitat
Wherever the foodplant is found.
Foodplant
Birch.
Lifestage data
Leaf miner. Eggs are laid on the underside of the leaf. Larva forms a
narrow gallery which is strongly contorted. (Mines of some species are
similar, care is required with identification).
Montgomeryshire photos
Photo by MW, 1st Aug 2011, Cors Dyfi.
Leaf
mine on birch - note contorted start to mine
Photo by ADL, 18th Oct 2011, Dolforwyn Hall
Photo by DB, 8th Oct 2013, Middletown. Leaf mine on birch