Aspen Serpentine Leafminer Moth
Common NameAspen Serpentine Leafminer Moth
Scientific NamePhyllocnistis populiella
FamilyGracillariidae
SubfamilyPhyllocnistinae
Wingspan (mm)6
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorssilver, white, black
HabitatForests, woodlands, and areas with aspen trees
Geographic RangeNorth America (wherever Populus tremuloides occurs)
Host PlantsPopulus tremuloides, Populus balsamifera, Populus deltoides
Flight PeriodMay to September (multiple generations)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are leaf miners, creating distinctive serpentine mines on the upper surface of aspen leaves. Pupation typically occurs within the mine, often at the edge of the leaf.
Identification TipsThe most reliable identification is by the characteristic serpentine (snake-like) mines created by the larvae on aspen leaves. Adult moths are tiny and silvery, requiring close inspection for species-level identification.
Description
A minute, silvery-white moth with a slender body and narrow wings, often featuring subtle dark markings or lines, particularly towards the wing tips.
