Moths of North Carolina

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View PDF	Nepticulidae Members:	Stigmella Members:	9 NC Records

Stigmella new species 2 (undescribed species) - No Common Name

Taxonomy

Family:
Nepticulidae

P3 Number:
0.00

MONA Number:
93.11

Identification

Field Guide Descriptions:

Online Resources:

Technical Description, Immature Stages: Eiseman (2022).

Immatures and Development: This is an undescribed species in the Stigmella betulicola group that feeds on hickories (van Nieukerken 2012). Eiseman (2022) reported that the egg may be deposited on either leaf surface, adjacent to a vein or midway between two lateral veins. The bright green larva forms a narrow linear mine that is about 1 mm wide at the end, and exits through a crescent-shaped slit in the upper epidermis. The mines typically make one or more 90 degree turns along their length. Frass is in a broad central line that nearly or completely fills the mine, although it may become centrally located near the end of the mine. Our other hickory feeder (S. caryaefoliella) has a very narrow central frass line throughout the entire length of the mine.

Distribution in North Carolina

Distribution: This undescribed species appears to be widespread in the eastern US where it has been documented in New York, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina and Mississippi. As of 2024, we have records from the Blue Ridge and Piedmont.

County Map: Clicking on a county returns the records for the species in that county.


Flight Dates: High Mountains (HM) ≥ 4,000 ft. Low Mountains (LM) < 4,000 ft. Piedmont (Pd) Coastal Plain (CP) Click on graph to enlarge
Immature Dates: High Mountains (HM) ≥ 4,000 ft. Low Mountains (LM) < 4,000 ft. Piedmont (Pd) Coastal Plain (CP) Click on graph to enlarge
Flight Comments: Eiseman (2022) noted that the larvae have been found from August to October.

Habitats and Life History

Habitats: Local populations are generally associated with hardwood or mixed conifer-hardwood forests where hickories are present.

Larval Host Plants: The larvae specialize on hickories, including Bitternut Hickory (C. cordiformis), Shagbark Hickory (C. ovata), and Mockernut Hickory (C. tomentosa) (Eiseman, 2022). As of 2024, we have records for Shagbark Hickory, Mockernut Hickory, Bitternut Hickory, and Red Hickory (C. ovalis).

Observation Methods: Local populations are best documented by searching for the mines on hickories. Backlit images of the mines are important for distinguishing this species from S. caryaefoliella.

Wikipedia

Status in North Carolina

Natural Heritage Program Status:

Natural Heritage Program Ranks:

State Protection:

Comments:

Photo Gallery for Stigmella new species 2 - No common name

Photos: 14

	Recorded by: Mark Basinger on 2025-08-01 Stanly Co. Comment:		Recorded by: Mark Basinger on 2025-07-12 Davidson Co. Comment:
	Recorded by: Mark Basinger on 2025-07-09 Brunswick Co. Comment:		Recorded by: Jim Petranka and Becky Elkin on 2022-09-15 Caldwell Co. Comment: Unoccupied mines were on Mockernut Hickory.
	Recorded by: Jim Petranka and Becky Elkin on 2022-09-15 Caldwell Co. Comment: Unoccupied mines were on Mockernut Hickory.		Recorded by: Jim Petranka and Becky Elkin on 2022-08-26 Clay Co. Comment: Unoccupied mines were on Mockernut Hickory.
	Recorded by: Jim Petranka and Becky Elkin on 2022-08-26 Clay Co. Comment: Unoccupied mines were on Mockernut Hickory.		Recorded by: Jim Petranka on 2022-07-24 Montgomery Co. Comment: Unoccupied mine was on Bitternut Hickory.
	Recorded by: Jim Petranka on 2022-07-22 Buncombe Co. Comment: Unoccupied mine was on Carya ovalis.		Recorded by: Jim Petranka on 2022-07-22 Buncombe Co. Comment: Unoccupied mine was on Carya ovalis.
	Recorded by: Jim Petranka and Becky Elkin on 2021-10-20 Surry Co. Comment: Occupied mine was on Mockernut Hickory.		Recorded by: Jim Petranka and Becky Elkin on 2021-10-20 Surry Co. Comment: Occupied mine was on Mockernut Hickory.
	Recorded by: Jim Petranka, John Petranka, Becky Elkin, Sally Gewalt on 2021-09-30 Orange Co. Comment: Unoccupied mine was on Shagbark Hickory.		Recorded by: Jim Petranka, John Petranka, Becky Elkin, Sally Gewalt on 2021-09-30 Orange Co. Comment: Unoccupied mine was on Shagbark Hickory.