Clemens' Philonome Moth
Common NameClemens' Philonome Moth
Scientific NamePhilonome clemensella
FamilyTineidae
SubfamilyTineinae
Wingspan (mm)6.5
Primary Colorsgolden-orange, white, brown
HabitatDeciduous forests, woodlands, areas with maple trees
Geographic RangeEastern North America (eastern United States and southeastern Canada)
Host Plantsmaple (Acer spp.), sugar maple (Acer saccharum), red maple (Acer rubrum)
Flight PeriodMay to September
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesThe larvae of this moth are leaf miners, developing and feeding internally within the leaves of various maple tree species.
Identification TipsKey identification features include its minute size, the distinctive metallic golden-orange and white wing pattern, and the larval association with maple leaves as a leaf miner.
Description
A very small moth characterized by its metallic golden-orange forewings adorned with a prominent white streak along the costa and scattered dark brown speckles, giving it an iridescent appearance.
