Identification

Adult requires dissection of genitalia for conclusive identification.

Identifiable from leaf mine. Good quality picture required.

Possible confusion of mines with other Stigmella species on birch.

Life cycle

Mines: June-July.  Early part of mine is filled with cloudy green frass.  Adults fly in May.

Larval foodplants

Birch species

Habitat

Birch woodland and scrub.

History

The first for Dumfries & Galloway was found on the Drumlanrig Estate, Dumfriesshire, on 18th May 1975 by E. C. Pelham-Clinton, while the first for Kirkcudbrightshire and Wigtownshire were found at unknown sites by persons unknown prior to 1975 (MOGBI data).