Maple Caloptilia Moth
Common NameMaple Caloptilia Moth
Scientific NameCaloptilia aceriella
FamilyGracillariidae
SubfamilyGracillariinae
Wingspan (mm)10
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsbrown, yellow, purple
HabitatDeciduous forests, woodlands, areas with maple trees
Geographic RangeEastern North America
Host PlantsAcer spp. (maple)
Flight PeriodMay to October
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are leaf miners on maple leaves, creating tentiform mines. They pupate within the mine or in a cocoon on the leaf surface.
Identification TipsKey identifiers include its small size, the unique head-down, tail-up resting posture, the mottled reddish-brown and pale yellow forewing pattern, and its association with maple trees.
Description
A small moth with a distinctive head-down, tail-up resting posture. Its forewings are mottled with reddish-brown and purplish-brown scales, featuring prominent creamy-yellow patches along the costa and dorsum.
