Stigmella nigriverticella

(Chambers, 1875)

Sort #: 16 | P3 #: 160014 | MPG #: 89
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Larval feeding type: Leaf miner; larva green, forms a linear mine, the "frass tending to be densely packed, filling the breadth of the mine for much of its length" (Eiseman, 2021); cocoon pale gray
Larval substrate: Quercus ilicifolia* (Scrub Oak), Quercus rubra* (Northern Red Oak), Quercus velutina* (Black Oak)
Phenology: Adult: 6/23 to 9/08 (8 records)

Comment: S. nigriverticella and S. macrocarpae can be very difficult to distinguish, although the males of nigriverticella have androconial scales on the hindwings. S. nigriverticella apparently tends to have a narrower fascia than S. macrocarpae and is more common than macrocarpae in eastern NA

Status in MA (automated assessment): Fairly widespread, uncommon
Status in N. America: Native
MA Endangered Species Act status: None
First Year Reported: 2011
Last Year Reported: 2021

Distribution by County: Franklin, Middlesex, Essex, Norfolk, Plymouth, Nantucket
Number of Records: 14