Stigmella betulicola

Wingspan about 5 mm. The larva creates a contorted gallery mine in leaves of Birch (Betula), leaving a central irregular line of frass. The mine resembles that of S. luteella, but is far less contorted at the beginning. The larva shows a line of dark ventral spots, unlike that of luteella, and tends to have a darker brown head.

Adult Leafmine

Adult: Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required and the specimen should be examined with a microscope. In the comments box, state the key or ID method used and describe the size and identifying characters. It may not be possible to identify adults of this species, which are best reared or recorded from the leafmine.

Leafmine: Unless identified by a recognised expert, a  backlit photo of the mine and the larva is required. 

Found mainly where birch trees are growing.

There are two generations, with moths on the wing in May and August, and leafmines visible in July and again from September to November.

In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as local.

Rare, or rarely recorded in Leicestershire and Rutland.