Species Account

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Distribution

 
 

Summary Data

Season (Adult / Immature):

National Status: Local

Local Status: Rare and very local resident.

Local Record: Grade 4 adult, 2 leaf-mine.   See here for explanation

Flight time:

Forewing: 2mm.

Foodplant: Birch.

Regional breakdown:

 VC61VC63VC64
Year first recorded197620011976
Year last recorded198420141983
Number of records262
Number of individuals242
Unique positions262
Unique locations252
Adult records202
Immature records060

For the county, we have a total of 10 records from 9 sites. First recorded in 1976.
 

Photos

04.044 Stigmella continuella 02 mine on birch
© Andy Nunn
04.044 Stigmella continuella 01 mine
© Dave Shenton

Species Account

2013 (CHF):The birch-feeding Stigmella species can at times be difficult to identify. This species may be commoner in the county than records suggest as identification is not always easy. Records are acceptable if absolutely typical but should be accompanied by a specimen or photo unless you are experienced with this species. The egg is laid on the underside of the leaf, often in a vein axil. The mine is a slender, little widening corridor. Its first part is strongly contorted; the leaf tissue that is cut off thereby is killed, usually resulting in a brown spot. The remainder of the corridor in contrast is very little contorted, often remarkably straight, when it runs alongside a vein. The corridor is almost completely filled with coiled frass that is green when fresh. The mine may be difficult to locate initially but becomes brown with age.
 

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