4.039 BF73

Stigmella trimaculella

(Haworth, 1828)

---

Wingspan 5-6 mm.

Distributed throughout England, where it is fairly common except in the west; there are records from Scotland and Wales, but very few.

The larvae mine the leaves of Poplar (Populus), with variable characteristics, but usually beginning with a narrow black central line of frass. The mines are found in late June and July and from September to October.

The adults are rather attractive, with brownish grey forewings each with three creamy patches. They fly in May and again in August.