Elachista illectella
Common NameElachista illectella
Scientific NameElachista illectella
FamilyElachistidae
SubfamilyElachistinae
Wingspan (mm)7
Primary Colorsblack, white, silver
HabitatGrasslands, meadows, open woodlands, wetlands
Geographic RangeEastern North America
Host Plantsgrasses, sedges
Flight PeriodApril to September
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesThe larvae are leaf miners, typically creating mines in the leaves of monocotyledonous plants such as grasses or sedges. Pupation often occurs outside the mine.
Identification TipsKey features include its minute size (6-8 mm wingspan), the specific pattern of silvery-white markings on the dark forewings, and its association with monocot host plants. Definitive identification often requires microscopic examination of genitalia.
Description
This is a very small moth with dark grey to black forewings marked with prominent silvery-white fasciae and spots, often with a metallic sheen. Its antennae are long and slender.
