Basswood Miner Moth
Common NameBasswood Miner Moth
Scientific NamePhyllonorycter ostryafoliella
FamilyGracillariidae
SubfamilyLithocolletinae
Wingspan (mm)7
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorscream, pale brown, dark brown
HabitatDeciduous forests, woodlands, riparian areas
Geographic RangeEastern North America (southern Canada to North Carolina, west to Missouri)
Host PlantsTilia americana, Ostrya virginiana
Flight PeriodMay to August (bivoltine)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are endophagous leaf miners, creating tentiform mines on the underside of Basswood and Hophornbeam leaves. Pupation occurs within the mine, typically with two or more generations per year.
Identification TipsKey features include its small size, pale coloration, and the specific arrangement of dark brown spots/streaks near the apex of the forewings. Identification often benefits from examining the characteristic larval mine on host plant leaves.
Description
A minute, slender moth with pale cream to whitish forewings, subtly mottled with pale brown. It features a distinctive pattern of dark brown spots or streaks near the wing tips, often outlined in white.
