Stigmella basiguttella

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    Alt Name
    Base-spotted Pigmy
    Description

    The larvae of Stigmella basiguttella produce leaf mines on Oak. This is a long sinuous gallery, widening gradually and filled with green frass. The adult moth has a dark head, bronzy brown forewing with green tint and pale yellowish spot at base. Wingspan 4.5 to 6 mm. Adult moths are best confirmed microscopically.

    Identification difficulty

    Adult Leafmine

    ID guidance

    Leafmine occurs on Oak. http://www.leafmines.co.uk/html/Lepidoptera/S.basiguttella.htm

    Habitat

    Wherever Oak, the larval foodplant is present.

    When to see it

    Adult: In two generations May-Jun. Jul-Aug. Leaf mine: June to Oct.

    Life History

    The larval foodplant is Oak.

    UK Status

    Widespread and fairly frequent, particularly in south eastern England. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as common.

    VC55 Status

    It appears to be uncommon (or possibly under recorded) in Leicestershire and Rutland, where there are few records. L&R Moth Group status = D (rare or rarely recorded).

    Reference
    4.058 BF89
    • Graham Calow
      Near Aston Lane, Sharnford
      10 September 2018
      leafmine on Oak
    • Graham Calow
      Land off Grace Road, Sapcote
      16 September 2018
      leafmine on Oak
    • Graham Calow
      Station Road, Broughton Astley
      21 September 2018
      leafmine on Oak

    Leicestershire & Rutland Map

    Map key:

    Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)

    Coloured circles = NatureSpot records

    • RED = 2020+
    • DARK BLUE = 2015-2019
    • LIGHT BLUE = pre 2015

     

    UK Map

    • Steve Mathers
      Ulverscroft NR
      06 October 2016
      larval mine on oak