Norway Maple Pigmy Moth
Common NameNorway Maple Pigmy Moth
Scientific NameStigmella aceris
FamilyNepticulidae
SubfamilyStigmellinae
Wingspan (mm)3.5
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsdark brown, white, yellow
HabitatDeciduous woodlands, parks, gardens
Geographic RangeEurope
Host PlantsAcer platanoides, Acer pseudoplatanus, Acer campestre
Flight PeriodMay to June, July to August
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid on the underside of maple leaves. The larva hatches and creates a long, narrow, winding mine, typically filled with frass. Pupation usually occurs in a cocoon on the ground or in leaf litter, outside the mine.
Identification TipsAdults are identified by their tiny size, dark wings with a pale central band, and yellowish head tuft. The most reliable field identification is often by its distinctive larval mine on Norway Maple leaves, which is a long, narrow, winding gallery, often widening towards the end, with a central frass line, as seen in the image on a maple samara.
Description
A minute moth with dark, often purplish-fuscous forewings featuring a distinct pale, often whitish or yellowish, transverse fascia. Its larva creates a characteristic winding mine on the leaves and sometimes samaras of Norway Maple.
