Horse-chestnut Leafminer
Common NameHorse-chestnut Leafminer
Scientific NameCameraria ohridella
FamilyGracillariidae
SubfamilyLithocolletinae
Wingspan (mm)6
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsorange, white, brown, black
HabitatParks, avenues, gardens, and forests where horse-chestnut trees are present
Geographic RangeNative to the Balkans, widely invasive across Europe and parts of Asia
Host PlantsAesculus hippocastanum, Aesculus pavia, Acer pseudoplatanus
Flight PeriodApril to October (multiple generations)
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are leaf miners, creating blotch mines on horse-chestnut leaves, leading to premature browning and defoliation. Pupation occurs within the mine.
Identification TipsLook for its small size (wingspan 5-7mm), the distinctive orange-brown and white striped pattern on the forewings, and the prominent black apical spot. The larvae create characteristic blotch mines on horse-chestnut leaves.
Description
A tiny moth with striking orange-brown forewings marked with several irregular, silvery-white, dark-edged transverse bands and a distinctive black apical spot.
