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Stigmella centifoliella

Narrow-barred pigmy

Description

Stigmella centifoliella, also known as the narrow-barred pigmy, is a small moth from the Nepticulidae family with a wingspan of 4–6 mm. Found across Europe from Scandinavia to the Iberian Peninsula, Italy, and the Balkans, and reaching as far east as Ukraine, it also inhabits North Africa. The larvae are specialized leaf miners on plants from the Rosaceae family, primarily targeting various rose species, including Rosa canina, Rosa centifolia, Rosa multiflora, and Rosa rugosa. They also feed on Sanguisorba species and occasionally on Alchemilla. The mine begins with an egg on the underside of the leaf, forming a long, sinuous gallery with a line of frass in central area.

Symptom

Infestation appears as narrow, winding galleries on rose leaves with frass in a central line. These mines are often located on cultivated roses, reducing their aesthetic quality and photosynthesis.

Tree Species: Rose

Part of a plant- attacked: Branch

Pest significance: Less harmful

Pest Category: Insects

Present in EU: Yes