Shining Hawthorn Dot Stigmella hybnerella

Apparently a common and widespread species, though like most members of this family, mainly recorded in its leaf-mine stage (in this case on Hawthorn leaves). Formerly given the vernacular name Greenish Thorn Pigmy.

This was quite different in appearance to other nepticulids I've recorded here so I was hopeful that it would prove to be a new species, but although the greenish-gold colour is quite unusual among its congeners I had to examine its genitalia to confirm.

male Shining Hawthorn Dot Stigmella hybnerella showing genitalia (at various selective focuses and angles), North Elmham (Norfolk, UK), 22nd August 2022

This one wasn't quite so obviously greenish but there was definitely a greenish-bronzy hue to it. The genitalia started to fall apart as I cleaned it so I didn't get it very clean but I think well enough to see the critical features. I'm pretty sure the vessica was everted (or at least outside of the aedeagus sheath) prior to me processing it, but it was still attached before I got my clumsy hands on it.

male Shining Hawthorn Dot Stigmella hybnerella showing wings and genitalia (main capsule, detached uncus, aeedeagus sheath, vessica and close-ups of mid and end of vessica), North Elmham (Norfolk, UK), 28th August 2024