Chestnut Blotchminer Moth
Common NameChestnut Blotchminer Moth
Scientific NameCameraria castaneae
FamilyGracillariidae
SubfamilyLithocolletinae
Wingspan (mm)6
Primary Colorsbrown, white, dark grey
HabitatForests, woodlands, and areas where host chestnut and oak trees are present.
Geographic RangeEastern North America
Host PlantsAmerican Chestnut (Castanea dentata), various oak species (Quercus spp.)
Flight PeriodMultiple generations from May to October
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesThe female moth lays eggs on the underside of host plant leaves. The larvae are leafminers, feeding internally and creating an irregular, tent-like blotch mine. Pupation occurs within the mine, often in a silken cocoon. There are typically multiple generations per year.
Identification TipsAdult moths are very small and require close examination for species identification. The most reliable field identification is often by the characteristic blotch mine formed by the larva on the leaves of American Chestnut or various oak species, which appears as an irregular, whitish-brown blotch.
Description
A minute moth, typically 4-8 mm in wingspan, with forewings intricately patterned with white, brown, and dark scales, often with metallic markings.
