Bumelia Leafminer Moth
Common NameBumelia Leafminer Moth
Scientific NameParectopa bumeliella
FamilyGracillariidae
SubfamilyLithocolletinae
Wingspan (mm)7
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsdark brown, white, silver
HabitatDry woodlands, scrub, and coastal areas where host plants are present
Geographic RangeSoutheastern United States (e.g., Florida, Georgia, South Carolina)
Host PlantsSideroxylon tenax, Sideroxylon lycioides, Sideroxylon species
Flight PeriodMultiple generations, typically March to November
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesThe larval stage is a leaf miner, creating a distinctive serpentine mine that expands into an irregular blotch on the upper surface of Sideroxylon leaves. Pupation occurs within the mine or in a cocoon outside the leaf.
Identification TipsField identification is primarily by the characteristic leaf mine on Sideroxylon (Bumelia) host plants, which starts as a narrow gallery and widens into a blotch. Adult moths are tiny and require microscopic examination for definitive species identification.
Description
A very small moth with a wingspan of about 7 mm. Its forewings are typically dark brown to blackish, adorned with intricate patterns of white or silvery streaks and spots, sometimes exhibiting a metallic sheen.
