Stigmella aceris

    Scarce Maple Pigmy

    NepticulidaeABH 4.012 B&F 102

    A leaf-miner on Field maple and Norway maple.  Essentially a south-eastern species, it has been expanding its range in recent years, presumably in response to the warming climate.  This range expansion has been slow to reach Somerset, and has only done so in the last few years, with only isolated records at this point.  This is in contrast to Gloucestershire immediately to the north where the moth is well-established across much of the county and the mines are easy to locate.  No doubt it will become much commoner in the near future.

    Mine Verification Grade: A

    Scarce Maple Pigmy (Stigmella aceris) photographed in Somerset by Jenny Vickers
    Scarce Maple Pigmy (Stigmella aceris) photographed in Somerset by Jenny Vickers
    Scarce Maple Pigmy (Stigmella aceris) photographed in Somerset by Christopher Iles