Hazel Leaf Miner
Common NameHazel Leaf Miner
Scientific NameStigmella corylifoliella
FamilyNepticulidae
SubfamilyNepticulinae
Wingspan (mm)4
Primary Colorsdark brown, silver
HabitatWoodlands, hedgerows, gardens, and areas with host plants
Geographic RangeEurope, parts of Asia, and introduced to North America
Host PlantsCorylus avellana, Betula, Carpinus, Crataegus, Malus, Prunus, Sorbus
Flight PeriodMay to August
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae create a distinctive contorted linear-blotch mine on the leaves of host plants, starting as a narrow gallery and widening into a blotch. Pupation occurs in a cocoon, typically on the ground.
Identification TipsIdentify by the characteristic winding linear-blotch leaf mines on hazel, birch, or hornbeam leaves. Adult moths are tiny (4-5mm wingspan) with dark wings, a pale fascia, and a pale head tuft.
Description
A minute moth with dark fuscous forewings featuring a prominent silvery-white fascia and a pale, often yellowish, head tuft.
