New Holm-Oak Pigmy
Common NameNew Holm-Oak Pigmy
Scientific NameStigmella suberivora
FamilyNepticulidae
SubfamilyNepticulinae
Wingspan (mm)4
Wing Patternsolid
Primary Colorsdark brown, black, metallic sheen
HabitatHolm oak woodlands, parks, and gardens where Quercus ilex is present
Geographic RangeSouthern Europe, North Africa, and parts of the Middle East
Host PlantsHolm Oak (Quercus ilex)
Flight PeriodApril to May, July to August (bivoltine)
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are leaf miners, developing within the leaves of Holm Oak, creating a long, winding gallery. Pupation occurs outside the mine in a silken cocoon.
Identification TipsAdults are extremely small and difficult to identify without magnification; identification is most reliably done by observing the characteristic serpentine leaf mines on Holm Oak leaves, which are visible in the provided image.
Description
A minute moth, typically dark brown to black with a metallic sheen, often featuring a pale transverse band across the forewings. Its larvae create distinctive serpentine mines in Holm Oak leaves.
