Chinese Tallow Leaf Miner
Common NameChinese Tallow Leaf Miner
Scientific NameCaloptilia triadicae
FamilyGracillariidae
SubfamilyGracillariinae
Wingspan (mm)9
Primary Colorsbrown, grey, white
HabitatAreas with Chinese Tallow trees, including disturbed lands, wetlands, and forest edges.
Geographic RangeNative to China; introduced to the southeastern United States (e.g., Florida, Louisiana, Texas).
Host PlantsChinese Tallow (Triadica sebifera)
Flight PeriodMultiple generations, typically March to November in introduced range.
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are leaf miners, creating characteristic mines within the leaves of Chinese Tallow trees. Pupation typically occurs in a silken cocoon, often on the leaf surface or within a folded leaf edge.
Identification TipsLook for its small size, the distinctive white zigzag patterns on its forewings, and its association with Chinese Tallow trees, where its larvae create leaf mines.
Description
A small, slender moth characterized by its mottled brown and grey forewings adorned with prominent white, often zigzag or chevron-shaped, markings.
