Stigmella sakhalinella

Wingspan 4 to 4.6 mm. The adult moths are similar to several other species in the group, and it may not be possible to identify adult to species level even by gen det.  The larvae feed on various Birch species (Betula sp.). They mine the leaves of their host plant. The mine consists of a slender gallery. The corridor mostly begins close to the leaf margin, often near the tip of the leaf. The frass fills most of the width of the corridor, but always leaves a transparent zone at either side. The egg is usually on the underside of leaf.  

Adult Leafmine  

Adult: It may not be possible to identify adults to species level, even by gen det.

Leafmine: Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required.  Please include a photograph showing the mine backlit to show the frass pattern.  Please also state the host plant and, if possible, the egg position on the leaf.  This is a rarely recorded moth in our area and care is needed when recording this species.

Where Birch, the larval host species, is present.

Adults are on wing in May and again from July to August.

Pupation takes place outside of the mine.

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

Rare, or rarely recorded, in Leicestershire and Rutland. The Leicester, Gilroes Cemetery record of 8th November 2019 was the first for Leicestershire and Rutland.