4.055 BF81 – Beech Dot – Stigmella hemargyrella – (Kollar, 1832)
Adult Micro: CAT 4 – Dissection required – 
Leaf-miner: CAT L – The leaf or a Photo required – 
Larval Case: C1 – Distinctive Species –
– click for General Verification Guidelines | – click for Specific Verification Guidelines
Leaf-miner: CAT L – The leaf or a Photo required – Larval Case: C1 – Distinctive Species – – click for General Verification Guidelines | – click for Specific Verification Guidelines 
– Generally Common / Widespread 
– Leaf-miner
– care required in the identification process, as confusion with similar species is likely – quality photographs required. Confusion Species: Stigmella tityrella
ID pointers: The adult moth is small, with a wingspan of only 5-6 mm. The forewings are deep, shining bronzy-brown, becoming darker and purple-tinged towards the tip. A distinctive golden-tinged silvery metallic fascia (band) runs across the wing about two-thirds of the way down. The head tuft is light ochreous-yellowish.
Distribution: National Status – Fairly common, leaf mines are easily located on beech – Derbyshire status is likely to be locally common in Beech woodland – Leaf mine photographs from Belper, Glossop and Staunton Harold Reservoir.
General Comment: Notes by Christian Heintzen on image dated 21/10/2025 – on Beech (Fagus sylvatica) > long gallery not constrained by lateral veins, often starting near leaf margin and moving towards it > frass initially in narrow central line then becoming coiled before become irregular and more centred again > larva yellowish with a light brown head.
Notes by Christian Heintzen on image dated 10/10/2025 – on Beech (Fagus sylvatica), (A) > long gallery not constrained by lateral veins, usually starting away from mid rib and moving towards it > frass initially in narrow central line then becoming coiled before become irregular and more centred again (B)
Mine Period Additional: Leaf mine June and August – September
Mine ID Difficulty:
– Care required in ID process as confusion with similar leaf mines. Quality photos of the mine required. Mine Type/s: Gallery
Mine Feeding Method/s: Not Recorded
Mine Comment: The species is most often identified by the unique mine created by its larva within a beech leaf. The larva is whitish-yellow with a pale brown head. The mine is a sinuous, untidy gallery that typically starts near the leaf margin and moves towards the midrib, often crossing veins. A key distinguishing feature is a section in the middle of the mine where the frass is coiled into arcs or a central coil. The mine has the egg displaced from the midrib (central main vein of the leaf), unlike Stigmella tityrella, which has the egg on the underside against the midrib also other pointers are the overall shape of the mine. Moving a lot more along the length of the leaf than tityrella would. The mines of tityrella are usually tightly confined between two side veins.
*** Last updated on 13 December 2025 by TD ***
Blue-coded] moths is not displayed/updated in this tab. However, all verified records for this moth are listed in the RECORDS tab below. Selected Images: Dave Evans – September 17th 2021 – Wyver Lane, Belper./ Staunton Harold Reservoir 24/10/2025 – Tony Davison© / Longdendale 10/10/2025 and Little Hayfield 21/10/2025 – Christian Heintzen©
Image Gallery
Temporal Distribution Chart
Adults: (between 2024 - 2025) | Immatures: (between 2001 - 2025)
(click legend below to show/hide datasets)
Distribution Map for Stigmella hemargyrella
Found 53 records
↳ from 2026+
↳ 30 from 2020 - 2025
↳ 23 from Before 2020
↳ from 2026+
↳ 30 from 2020 - 2025
↳ 23 from Before 2020
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Bedrock Geology ** indirectly affects moth distribution by influencing the type of habitat and food plants available in an area. In turn, this may affect the types of moths that can thrive, or where they can most likely be found.
NBN Atlas UK Distribution for – Stigmella hemargyrella
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Note – the NBN Atlas datasets are listed in the map below and vary in their currency (uptodateness) – however,
the map does give a general indication of the moth's distribution across the UK.
Monthly Records By Year:
Stigmella hemargyrella
( data includes both Larvae and Adult Stages )
Monthly Counts By Year:
Stigmella hemargyrella
( data is based on 'Adult' stage records only )
First/Last Recorded Dates: Stigmella hemargyrella
Adult-only & Anything [Larvae, Pupae, Adult, Mines]
Shading shows moth presence between dates
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Recordings By Year: Stigmella hemargyrella
( All data includes both Larvae and Adult Stages )
Annual Growth Rate (AGR): Stigmella hemargyrella
AGR: 3.72% | Total % Change: 140%
Hectad (10kmx10km) Coverage: Stigmella hemargyrella
( data includes both Larvae and Adult Stages )
Flight Periods – Indicative –vs– Recorded Data
Stigmella hemargyrella
Stigmella hemargyrella
Flight Period chart – the grey hatched area above, which can cross one or more months, pictorially represents the best guess we have for this moth's flight periods [month/s]. The coloured lines represent the actual months seen in flight, from site observation records received between 2020-2026.
Mine Periods – Indicative –vs– Recorded Data
Stigmella hemargyrella
Stigmella hemargyrella
( data includes both Larvae and Adult Stages )
Mine Period chart – the grey hatched area above, which can cross one or more months, pictorially represents the best guess we have for this moth's mine periods [month/s]. The coloured lines represent the actual months seen mining, from site observation records received between 2020-2026.
Records Behind the Map and Charts - Stigmella hemargyrella – 53 records available
Listed by Year - descending - scroll across to see all table columns
| Site Name | Tetrad | Date | Count | Stage | Recorder | Source | RecordKey |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Staunton Harold Reservoir, Derbyshire | SK32S | 28/10/2025 | 4 | mine | Davison, Tony | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC46136312 |
| Staunton Harold Reservoir, Derbyshire | SK32S | 25/10/2025 | 2 | mine (empty) | Davison, Tony | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC48131936 |
| Little Hayfield, Park Hall Woodland | SK08J | 21/10/2025 | 2 | Leaf-mine | Heintzen, Christian | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC47521370 |
| Longdendale, Woodhead, Trans Pennine Trail | SK19E | 10/10/2025 | 1 | Leaf-mine | Heintzen, Christian | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC47521363 |
| Darwin Forest | SK36C | 06/10/2025 | 4 | mine (tenant | Evans, Dave | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC45819789 |
| Hillside Plantation, Buxton | SK07K | 12/09/2025 | 1 | mine | Mortin, Jon | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC50533643 |
| DWT Wyver Lane | SK34P | 02/09/2025 | 8 | mine (empty) | Evans, Dave | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC45019768 |
| Serpentine Woods (north),Buxton | SK07L | 01/09/2025 | 1 | Adult | Mortin, Jon | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC46048896 |
| Shillito Wood | SK27X | 28/08/2025 | 5 | mine (empty) | Watchorn, Andrew | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC44968097 |
| Shallcross Wood, Taxal | SK07E | 26/08/2025 | 1 | mine | Mortin, Jon | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC44790355 |
| Graves Park, Sheffield | SK38L | 26/08/2025 | 1 | mine | Mella, Pete | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC44859436 |
| Norton Lees, Sheffield | SK38L | 15/08/2025 | 1 | adult | Mella, Pete | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC44507834 |
| DWT Wyver Lane | SK34P | 13/08/2025 | 3 | mine (empty) | Evans, Dave | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC44440718 |
| Gleadless Valley LNR | SK38R | 28/07/2025 | 1 | mine | Mella, Pete | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC43961638 |
| Graves Park | SK38K | 04/07/2025 | 1 | mine | Mella, Pete | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC43011876 |
| Crich Lane Woods | SK34P | 19/10/2024 | 15 | mine (empty) | Evans, Dave | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC38983695 |
| Monsall Trail | SK17L | 14/10/2024 | 1 | mine (empty) | Harvey, Martin C. | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC38900296 |
| Ashwood Park, Buxton | SK07R | 12/10/2024 | 1 | mine | Mortin, Jon | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC38844136 |
| Darwin Forest | SK36C | 02/10/2024 | 15 | mine (empty) | Evans, Dave | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC38743121 |
| Cote Heath Woods | SK07R | 14/09/2024 | 1 | mine | Mortin, Jon | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC38461325 |
| Foxlow Wood, Buxton | SK07R | 13/09/2024 | 3 | mine | Mortin, Jon | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC38448944 |
| Sherbrook Wood, Buxton | SK07R | 13/09/2024 | 1 | Adult | Mortin, Jon | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC38748617 |
| Cote Heath Wood | SK07L | 10/09/2024 | 1 | mine | Mortin, Jon | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC38411383 |
| Foxlow Wood, Buxton | SK07R | 19/07/2024 | 1 | Adult | Mortin, Jon | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC38850379 |
| Calke Park | SK32R | 07/10/2023 | 1 | Mine | Finch, Graham Leonard | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC35105499 |
| Calke Park | SK32R | 01/10/2023 | 1 | Mine | Finch, Graham Leonard | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC35105527 |
| Hogshaw Wood | SK07S | 06/09/2023 | 1 | mine | Mortin, Jon | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC32857440 |
| Temple Fields, Buxton | SK07L | 03/09/2023 | 1 | Larva | Mortin, Jon | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC38899921 |
| Fairholmes | SK18U | 11/02/2023 | 1 | mine | Shenton, David | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC29386262 |
| Ashwood Park, Buxton | SK07R | 25/07/2020 | 1 | Larva | Mortin, Jon | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC38900137 |
| Grange Wood | SK21S | 13/09/2018 | 1 | Mine | Finch, Graham Leonard | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC35106427 |
| Millers Dale | SK17G | 03/09/2011 | 1 | Larval Mine | S.H. Hind | vc57_danes_bc_data | LC000334001COU5I |
| Thorpe, Dovedale | SK15K | 13/10/2010 | 1 | Larval Mine | S.A. Orridge;S.H. Hind | vc57_danes_bc_data | LC000334001COTQU |
| Kirk Dale, Ashford in the Water | SK16Z | 22/09/2010 | 1 | Larva | Orridge, Steve | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC44257388 |
| Ashford in the Water | SK16Z | 22/09/2010 | 1 | Larval Mine | S.A. Orridge;S.H. Hind | vc57_danes_bc_data | LC000334001COZGL |
| Ladybower Resr | SK18U | 03/09/2010 | 1 | Larval Mine | S.H. Hind | vc57_danes_bc_data | LC000334001COXIS |
| Howden Resr | SK19L | 25/08/2010 | 1 | Larval Mine | S.H. Hind | vc57_danes_bc_data | LC000334001CP09C |
| Howden Resr | SK19S | 25/08/2010 | 1 | Larval Mine | S.H. Hind | vc57_danes_bc_data | LC000334001COXI0 |
| Padley Gorge, Nether Padley | SK27P | 19/08/2010 | 1 | Larval Mine | S.H. Hind | vc57_danes_bc_data | LC000334001COXGV |
| Cromford | SK25Y | 16/10/2009 | 1 | Larval Mine | Dave Budworth;S.A. Orridge;S.H. Hind | vc57_danes_bc_data | LC000334001CP55T |
| Linacre Wood | SK37G | 13/10/2009 | 1 | Larval Mine | S.H. Hind | vc57_danes_bc_data | LC000334001CP54H |
| Stoney Middleton | SK27H | 12/10/2009 | 1 | Larval Mine | S.H. Hind | vc57_danes_bc_data | LC000334001COWZO |
| Hope | SK18R | 07/10/2009 | 1 | Larval Mine | S.H. Hind | vc57_danes_bc_data | LC000334001COSZR |
| Derbyshire, UK | SK14G | 02/10/2009 | 1 | Larva | Orridge, Steve | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC44257394 |
| Norbury | SK14G | 01/10/2009 | 1 | Larval Mine | Dave Budworth;S.A. Orridge;S.H. Hind | vc57_danes_bc_data | LC000334001COWY8 |
| Castleton | SK18L | 10/09/2009 | 1 | Larval Mine | S.H. Hind | vc57_danes_bc_data | LC000334001COWX6 |
| Calke Park | SK32L | 25/10/2008 | 1 | Mine | Finch, Graham Leonard | vc57_irecords_extract | iBRC35105473 |
| Calke Park,Ticknall | SK32R | 25/10/2008 | 1 | Larval Mine | VC57 Derbyshire Recorder | vc57_danes_bc_data | LC000334001COSOR |
| Oaks Barn Cottage, Monyash Rd, Over Haddon, Bakewell | SK26D | 19/09/2008 | 1 | Larval Mine | Dave Budworth;S.H. Hind | vc57_danes_bc_data | LC000334001CP4M2 |
| Ogston Carr Wood,nr Ogston Res | SK35U | 12/07/2006 | 1 | Larval Mine | S.H. Hind | vc57_danes_bc_data | LC000334001CORSQ |
| Hillclifflane, nr Idridgehay | SK24Y | 02/11/2002 | 1 | Larval Mine | S.H. Hind | vc57_danes_bc_data | LC000334001CP1HH |
| Brackley Gate, nr Coxbench | SK34W | 03/11/2001 | 1 | Larval Mine | S.H. Hind | vc57_danes_bc_data | LC000334001COR0J |
| Abbotsholme School, Rocester | SK13E | 04/10/2001 | 1 | Larval Mine | S.H. Hind | vc57_danes_bc_data | LC000334001CP1ES |