Purplish Birch-miner Moth
Common NamePurplish Birch-miner Moth
Scientific NameStigmella betulifoliae
FamilyNepticulidae
SubfamilyNepticulinae
Wingspan (mm)5
Primary Colorsbrown, cream, purple
HabitatWoodlands, forests, parks, and gardens where birch trees are present.
Geographic RangeEurope
Host PlantsBirch (Betula spp.)
Flight PeriodMay to June, and August to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesThe larvae are leaf miners, creating distinctive serpentine mines within the leaves of birch trees before pupating.
Identification TipsKey features include its extremely small size, the purplish iridescence on its speckled forewings, and its specific association with birch host plants, particularly the characteristic larval leaf mines.
Description
A minute moth characterized by its mottled forewings, which display a mix of cream, brown, and purplish iridescent scales, and a shaggy, pale-scaled head.
