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Stigmella tiliae

Lime pigmy moth

Description

Stigmella tiliae, known as the lime pigmy moth, is a member of the Nepticulidae family found throughout Europe, excluding the Balkan Peninsula and Mediterranean Islands. This species primarily infests lime trees (Tilia cordata, T. platyphyllos, T. americana, among others) where its larvae mine the leaves. The lifecycle includes two generations, with adults active from May to August and larvae present in July, and again in September to October. The larval mines are gradually widening corridors, starting as faint lines on the leaf's surface and eventually penetrating the entire leaf depth. Frass is generally in a narrow central line but can sometimes be widely dispersed. While Stigmella tiliae mines don’t typically impact the health of the tree, they can reduce the visual appeal by creating noticeable marks on the leaves.

Symptom

Leaves show gradually widening mines beginning as faint corridors on the leaf, with narrow or dispersed frass lines.

Tree Species: Lime

Part of a plant- attacked: Leaf / Needle

Pest significance: Less harmful

Pest Category: Insects

Invasive Species: No

Present in EU: Yes