Yorkshire Status: Fairly common resident.

Stigmella sorbi was described as new to science in Entomologists' Annual 1861 p91:
Nepticula sorbi - I propose this name for the blotch-making Nepticula of the mountain ash (Sorbus aucuparia) which has been bred rather freely by Mr Wilkinson of Scarborough ... [it] forms a very decided blotch of particular form"

Most of our records are from upland areas where the larvae mine leaves of rowan. The mine is distinctive and begins as a very slender winding corridor of 15-20 mm, the second part of which is almost stuffed with frass. The corridor then abruptly widens into a blotch with dispersed frass; in large leaves this blotch is almost circular. The midrib is not usually crossed, but the mine can occupy the major part of a leaflet. There are often several mines in a leaf. Occasionally other species of Sorbus are used as a food plant. It seems to be commonest on native rowan in upland areas, and is unlikely to be found on planted rowan in the lowlands. Mines can be overlooked, as at first glance old mines can just look like brown blotches!

Recorded in 40 (20%) of 200 10k Squares. First Recorded in 1860. Last Recorded in 2024. Additional Stats

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