Apple Pygmy (Stigmella malella, (Stainton, 1854))

General Information

This moth has a brown forewing with a shining white fascia beyond the middle.

The larvae create a narrow winding gallery mine that gradually widens.

Overwinters as Overwinters as a pupa.

Wingspan: 4-5mm.
Foodplant(s): apples (Malus spp.)
Flying: Two generations, May and August
UK Presence: Resident
National status: Common

Regional Information

Recorded in 76 (28.1%) of the 270 2km squares of Huntingdonshire.

Last recorded in September 2021

Recorded date range (Adult): 18 May to 18 May

Recorded date range (Larva/Leafmine): 30 June to 20 November

Similar Species

Leaf mine on apple

Photo © Barry Dickerson

Stigmella incognitella (=pomella)

Leaf mine on Hawthorn

Stigmella oxyacanthella

Stigmella desperatella

0097 (ABH4.013) Apple Pygmy Stigmella malella, (Stainton, 1854)

KR00105