Ectoedemia clemensella
Common NameEctoedemia clemensella
Scientific NameEctoedemia clemensella
FamilyNepticulidae
SubfamilyNepticulinae
Wingspan (mm)4
Primary Colorsdark brown, gray, metallic scales
HabitatDeciduous forests, woodlands, and areas with host maple trees
Geographic RangeEastern North America
Host PlantsAcer rubrum, Acer saccharum, Acer saccharinum
Flight PeriodMay to June, and July to August (bivoltine)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesThe larvae are leaf miners, creating characteristic contorted linear mines that often expand into blotches on the upper surface of maple leaves. Pupation occurs in a silken cocoon, often in leaf litter on the ground.
Identification TipsAdults are very small and difficult to identify without magnification. Identification is most reliably done by examining the distinctive leaf mines on maple leaves, which are contorted linear mines that widen into blotches, often with a central frass line.
Description
A tiny micro-moth with dark, often metallic-scaled forewings, sometimes featuring a pale fascia or spot. The head is typically yellowish or orange.
