The Stigmella imperatoria group (Stonis et al. 2016b) (species 12, 13)

Diagnostics (Fig. 37): forewing very glossy. In male genitalia, phallus with specific cluster(s) of small cornuti; valva with one or two apical processes; uncus with three to four caudal papillae; gnathos with two long and slender, closely juxtaposed or separated caudal processes and medially slender plate; vinculum with large lateral lobes. Currently the group comprises of three very similar, but distinct Andean species: one from Ecuador ( S. rubiphagiella Diškus & Stonis) and two from Peru ( S. imperatoria Puplesis & Robinson and S. polylepiella Diškus & Stonis). Trophic relationships: two species are known to be leaf-miners on Rubus and Polylepis (Rosaceae) . It is expected that all species of the group may be Rosaceae feeders, including S. imperatoria (Stonis et al. 2016b) . Leaf-mines combined. Cocoon inside of the leaf-mine.