Stigmella speciosa

Barred sycamore pigmy

Description

Stigmella speciosa, also known as the barred sycamore pigmy, is a small moth in the Nepticulidae family with a wingspan of 4–5 mm. It is widely distributed across Europe, from Denmark to the Iberian Peninsula, Italy, Greece, and from Great Britain to Ukraine. This species primarily targets various Acer species, including Acer pseudoplatanus (sycamore), Acer monspessulanum, and Acer opalus. Some authors state that it never attack A. campestre or A. platanoides. The larvae mine the leaves, creating narrow and irregular corridors filled with frass, which may detract from the tree's aesthetic appearance by producing blotchy, brown areas. While Stigmella speciosa does not significantly harm the health of the host plant, its presence may affect the visual appeal of ornamental trees in parks or gardens.

Symptom

The larvae create serpentine mines on the upper side of leaves, with a visible dark line of frass. Although the mine is serpentine, the corridors are often close to each other, thus creating the appearance of a blotch mine.

Tree Species: Maple

Part of a plant- attacked: Leaf / Needle

Pest significance: Less harmful

Pest Category: Insects

Invasive Species: No

Present in EU: Yes