« Back

Stigmella carpinella

Leaf miner Stigmella carpinella

Description

Stigmella carpinella is a small moth belonging to the family Nepticulidae. It is distributed across Europe, from Sweden to Belgium, the Alps, Croatia, and Bulgaria, and from Great Britain to Ukraine. The species has a wingspan of 5–6 mm, with adults emerging at the end of April. The larvae develop as leaf miners, feeding on Carpinus betulus, Carpinus orientalis, and Ostrya carpinifolia. Their mining activity results in visible damage to the host plants, affecting both their aesthetic appearance and vitality. The mines are formed on the leaves and are characterized by a thin, later on relatively broad and irregular corridor. While the infestation does not usually cause significant decline in tree health, high population densities can lead to premature leaf senescence and reduced photosynthetic capacity.

Symptom

The mines appear first as thin, later on as broader, irregular corridors on the leaves, filled with dark frass arranged in discontinuous clumps. The affected areas do not follow the leaf venation and remain distinguishable from similar species due to their width and structure.

Tree Species: Hornbeam, Hop Hornbeam

Part of a plant- attacked: Leaf / Needle

Pest significance: Less harmful

Pest Category: Insects

Invasive Species: No

Present in EU: Yes