Photo © Tony Davis
Stigmella myrtillella
Checklist Number04.036 [B&F: 0072]
Verification
Record requires retention of specimen until confirmed, and may require dissection. Consult with CMR if unsure
Classification
| Family: | Nepticulidae |
| Subfamily: | Nepticulinae |
| Genus: | Stigmella |
| Species: | myrtillella |
| Authority: | (Stainton, 1857) |
Local in woodland, heathland and moorland throughout much of Britain, reported as favouring high ground. There are old records for Burley and Beaulieu in the south of the county and Woolmer Forest in the north, with evidence of occurrence in the Pamber Forest area more recently. Not recorded from the Isle of Wight to date. In July, and later in autumn, the larva mines the leaves of Bilberry (and away from our area, Bog Bilberry), forming a contorted gallery with a central line of frass, which then widens out to a false blotch. The adult has dark purplish wings with a whitish fascia, orange head and white eyecaps, but will generally need rearing or dissection to be accepted in this stage.
VC11 South Hampshire
| Site | Date | Quantity | Recorder | Stage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beaulieu (SU30) | 1880 | - | A C Hervey | Larval |
| Burley, NF (SU20) | 1948 | - | Scarsdale C S Brown | Larval |
VC12 North Hampshire
| Site | Date | Quantity | Recorder | Stage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Woolmer Forest (SU73) | 1890 | - | A C Hervey | Larval |
| Pamber Forest (SU66) | 21/09/2017 | - | Graham Dennis | Mine (vacated) |
VC22 West Berkshire (Hants county)
| Site | Date | Quantity | Recorder | Stage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Benyon's Enclosure (SU66) | 14/11/2004 | five | Graham Dennis | Mine (vacated) |