Little Devil Moth
Common NameLittle Devil Moth
Scientific NameStigmella aurella
FamilyNepticulidae
SubfamilyNepticulinae
Wingspan (mm)4
Wing Patternsolid
Primary Colorsdark brown, black, orange
HabitatWoodlands, hedgerows, gardens, and areas with bramble growth
Geographic RangeEurope, parts of Asia
Host PlantsRubus fruticosus (bramble), Rubus idaeus (raspberry)
Flight PeriodMay to June, and July to August (bivoltine)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesThe larvae are leaf miners, creating characteristic winding mines within the leaves of various Rubus species, often starting as a narrow gallery that later widens.
Identification TipsLook for its extremely small size, the metallic dark wings, and the prominent orange head tuft. Confirmation often relies on examining the larval leaf mines on bramble or raspberry leaves.
Description
A minute, dark moth with a metallic purplish-bronze sheen on its wings and a distinctive bright orange tuft of scales on its head.
