4.062 BF88

Stigmella samiatella

(Zeller, 1839)

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Wingspan c.5-7 mm.

A member of the unicolorous ruficapitella group of Nepticulidae, this species was until recently poorly recorded in Britain. As more studies have been undertaken, it has been found to be more widely present than previously thought.

The larva creates a quite long and contorted gallery mine in oak (Quercus) or sweet chestnut (Castanea sativa), with the frass in a narrow central line towards the last quarter of its length.

There are two generations, creating leafmines in June/July and September/October, and adults in June and from July to August.

See also:
Leafmine (British Leaf Mining Fauna)