Apple Leafminer
Common NameApple Leafminer
Scientific NamePhyllonorycter blancardella
FamilyGracillariidae
SubfamilyGracillariinae
Wingspan (mm)7
Primary Colorswhite, orange, brown, black
HabitatOrchards, gardens, deciduous forests
Geographic RangeHolarctic (Europe, North America, Asia)
Host PlantsMalus domestica, Malus spp., Crataegus spp., Prunus spp.
Flight PeriodApril to October (multiple generations)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are leaf miners, creating characteristic tentiform mines on the underside of host plant leaves, where they also pupate. There are typically 2-4 generations per year.
Identification TipsKey features include its minute size, the striking white forewings with the specific orange-brown and black apical pattern, and its association with apple and other Rosaceae trees.
Description
A very small, slender moth with predominantly white forewings featuring a distinctive pattern of orange-brown and black markings near the apex, often with a prominent white streak along the costa.
