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