Asian Elm Leafminer Moth
Common NameAsian Elm Leafminer Moth
Scientific NamePhyllonorycter ulmifoliella
FamilyGracillariidae
SubfamilyLithocolletinae
Wingspan (mm)6
Wing Patterniridescent
Primary Colorspurple, gold, green, dark
HabitatForests, woodlands, urban areas with elm trees
Geographic RangeNative to Asia, introduced and widespread in Europe and North America
Host PlantsUlmus spp. (elm), Betula spp. (birch), Carpinus spp. (hornbeam)
Flight PeriodApril to October (multiple generations)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesThe larvae are leaf miners, creating distinctive blotch mines on the underside of elm leaves. They pupate within the mine, and the species typically has multiple generations per year.
Identification TipsLook for its small size, brilliant iridescent wings, and the characteristic blotch mines it creates on the leaves of elm trees.
Description
A tiny, slender moth characterized by its highly iridescent forewings that shimmer with shades of purple, gold, and green, often with a dark body and a white-marked head.
