Leucanthiza dircella
Common NameLeucanthiza dircella
Scientific NameLeucanthiza dircella
FamilyGracillariidae
SubfamilyLithocolletinae
Wingspan (mm)5.5
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsdark brown, white, black
HabitatDeciduous forests, woodlands, oak groves
Geographic RangeEastern North America (e.g., eastern United States and parts of Canada)
Host PlantsQuercus alba, Quercus rubra, Quercus velutina, Quercus coccinea
Flight PeriodMay to June, and July to August (bivoltine)
Flight Stylefluttering
Lifecycle NotesThe larvae are leaf miners, creating a distinctive tentiform mine on the underside of oak leaves. The mine starts linear, then expands into a blotch, eventually forming a tent-like structure where the larva feeds. Pupation occurs within the mine in a silken cocoon.
Identification TipsAdults are identified by their minute size and specific dark brown and white wing patterns. The most common identification is through their characteristic tentiform leaf mines found on the underside of oak leaves, as seen in the image, which are often whitish with internal frass patterns.
Description
A very small moth with dark brown forewings featuring prominent white streaks along the costa and dorsum, and a distinct white fascia (band) towards the apex, often edged with black scales.
