Arborvitae Leafminer
Common NameArborvitae Leafminer
Scientific NameColeotechnites thujaella
FamilyGelechiidae
SubfamilyGelechiinae
Wingspan (mm)9
Primary Colorswhite, brown, gray
HabitatGardens, nurseries, forests where arborvitae (Thuja spp.) is present
Geographic RangeNorth America
Host PlantsThuja occidentalis, Thuja plicata, Thuja standishii
Flight PeriodMay to July
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid on arborvitae foliage; larvae hatch and mine within the leaves, causing browning tips; pupation occurs within the mined leaves or on the plant, with adults emerging in late spring/early summer.
Identification TipsLook for small, cryptically colored moths resting on arborvitae foliage, often associated with characteristic browning or yellowing leaf tips caused by larval mining.
Description
A small, slender moth with mottled white and brown forewings, often appearing grayish, and distinctive fringed wingtips.
