Identification

DNA barcoding in 2012 discovered Stigmella salicis is in fact a complex of several species in seven clusters.  Two of these clusters are found in the UK.  Cluster 1 is found throughout the UK – including Dumfries & Galloway – and the egg is laid on the underside of the leaf.  Cluster 6 only occurs in the south of England and Wales and the egg is laid on the upper side of the leaf.

Life cycle

Mines: June-July, September-November.  Adults fly April-May, July-August.

Larval foodplants

Mostly the hairy Salix species such as Grey Willow S. cinerea, Goat Willow S. caprea and Eared Willow S. aurita.

History

The first for Dumfries & Galloway was of leaf-mines found at Glencaple, Dumfriesshire, on 12th October 1952 by E. C. Pelham-Clinton and bred on, emerging 9th March 1953, who then found the first for Kirkcudbrightshire which was of leaf-mines at White Loch, Colvend, on 12th October 1952, with the Wigtownshire first also being of leaf-mines, found at Cairnryan on 22nd September 1963, again by Pelham-Clinton.