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Stigmella microtheriella

Nut-tree pigmy

Description

Stigmella microtheriella, also known as the nut-tree pigmy, is a small moth in the Nepticulidae family, with a wingspan of 3–4 mm. It is widespread across Europe and can also be found in parts of Asia and New Zealand, where it was introduced. This species primarily targets Corylus (hazel) and Carpinus (hornbeam), creating narrow, long, snake-like mines in the leaves. The larvae feed from July to November in two generations per year, with adults flying in May and again in August. While Stigmella microtheriella does not significantly impact the health of its host trees, its leaf mines may reduce the aesthetic appeal of the leaves, causing them to appear blotchy and affected.

Symptom

The leaves exhibit narrow, angular mines with dark frass that fills less than half of the mine. The mines gradually widen slightly but remain overall narrow.

Tree Species: Hornbeam, Hazel

Part of a plant- attacked: Leaf / Needle

Pest significance: Less harmful

Pest Category: Insects

Invasive Species: No

Present in EU: Yes

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Stigmella microtheriella

Leaf miner Stigmella microtheriella

Description

Stigmella microtheriella is a small leaf-mining moth belonging to the family Nepticulidae. Its host plants are mainly hazel (Corylus avellana) and hornbeam (Carpinus betulus), where the larvae create characteristic mines in the leaves. The species has one generation per year, with adult moths flying from late spring to early summer. The eggs are laid on leaves, and the young caterpillars immediately start forming long, narrow corridors in the leaf tissue. These mines gradually widen as the caterpillars grow. The species is widespread across much of Europe, occurring from western to central and northern regions. Although the intensity of infestation is usually not strong, repeated mining may reduce the assimilation area of leaves and thus weaken the overall vitality and aesthetic appearance of host trees and shrubs.