Small Beech Pigmy
Common NameSmall Beech Pigmy
Scientific NameStigmella tityrella
FamilyNepticulidae
SubfamilyStigmellinae
Wingspan (mm)4.5
Primary Colorsdark brown, bronze, silver
HabitatBeech woodlands, forests, and parks where European Beech (*Fagus sylvatica*) is present.
Geographic RangeEurope, including Great Britain, and parts of Western Asia.
Host PlantsFagus sylvatica
Flight PeriodMay to June, and August to September (bivoltine)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesThe larvae are leaf miners, creating long, winding, frass-filled tunnels within the leaves of European Beech. Pupation occurs in a silken cocoon outside the mine, usually on the ground.
Identification TipsAdult moths are identified by their tiny size (4-5mm wingspan), dark bronzy forewings with a pale fascia. The most common identification is via the distinctive, long, winding, serpentine leaf mines found on *Fagus sylvatica* leaves, as seen in the image.
Description
The adult Small Beech Pigmy is a minute moth, typically dark brown with a bronze sheen and a distinctive pale, often silvery, transverse fascia on its forewings. The image displays the characteristic serpentine leaf mines created by its larvae on a beech leaf.
