Blackberry Leafminer Moth
Common NameBlackberry Leafminer Moth
Scientific NameStigmella aurella
FamilyNepticulidae
Wingspan (mm)4
Wing Patternsolid
Primary Colorsdark brown, bronze, iridescent
HabitatWoodlands, hedgerows, gardens, and areas where Rubus species grow
Geographic RangeEurope, parts of Asia
Host PlantsRubus fruticosus, Rubus idaeus
Flight PeriodMay to August (bivoltine)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are endophagous leafminers, creating distinctive serpentine mines on the leaves of various Rubus species. Pupation occurs in a cocoon outside the mine.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its extremely small size, dark iridescent wings, and the characteristic linear leaf mines it creates on blackberry and raspberry leaves.
Description
A minute moth, typically 3-5mm in wingspan, with slender, dark, and often iridescent bronze-brown forewings. Its head is often tufted with pale scales.
