4.048 BF54a

Stigmella pretiosa

(Heinemann, 1862)

---

Wingspan c. 6 mm.

Although occurring elsewhere in Europe, S. pretiosa is only known in the British Isles from Scotland, where it was discovered in 1990.

The larvae mine the leaves of Geum species, especially water avens (Geum rivale), as well as bramble (Rubus fruticosus). The mine is a long gallery, initially filled with frass, widening later, and often following the veins. Mines can be found in September and October.

The adult moths though tiny, are distinctive in that they have two golden metallic fasciae on the forewing, a feature shared only with S. aeneofasciella among British species.

See also: Leafmine (British Leaf Mining Fauna)