Argyresthia pygmaeella is a moth of the family Yponomeutidae. The species was first described by Michael Denis and Ignaz Schiffermüller in 1775 from a specimen found near Vienna, Austria
The wingspan is 11–14 mm. Forewings are white, with golden or brown markings, while hind wings are grey. Legs and antennae are white.Meyrick- Head and thorax ochreous-whitish, patagia golden. Forewings shining golden whitish ; a dorsal spot at 1/3 connected with base by a streak along fold, an outwardly oblique streak from middle of dorsum, and a tornal spot shining golden. Hindwings grey. [1]
They fly in a single generation from May to August, depending on location.[2]
Eggs are laid on willows and the larvae overwinter in leaf-buds until April when they bore into a shoot, causing it to droop. They can also feed on catkins. When full grown in May or June the larvae are 11 mm long with a green body and dark-brown to black head, prothoracic and anal shields. Pupation takes place either in the feeding place or on the ground in May or June.[3]
Recorded food plants include goat willow (Salix caprea) and grey willow (Salix cinerea)[4]
In North America these moths mainly live in mountainous areas, but are also present in prairies with the host plants.[2]
This species can be found in Europe, northern Asia and North America.[2] [3] [5]