Maple Leaf-miner Moth
Common NameMaple Leaf-miner Moth
Scientific NamePhyllonorycter issikii
FamilyGracillariidae
SubfamilyLithocolletinae
Wingspan (mm)7
Primary Colorswhite, brown, black
HabitatDeciduous forests, woodlands, parks, gardens
Geographic RangeNative to East Asia; introduced and widespread in Europe and North America
Host PlantsAcer platanoides, Acer pseudoplatanus, Acer campestre, Acer saccharum
Flight PeriodMay to October (multiple generations)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesThe larvae are leaf miners, creating characteristic tentiform mines on the underside of maple leaves. Pupation occurs within these mines.
Identification TipsLook for its minute size, the intricate mottled pattern of white and dark scales on the forewings, and the prominent white head tuft. Its presence is often indicated by the distinctive leaf mines on maple trees.
Description
A very small, slender moth with intricately patterned forewings featuring a mottled mix of white, dark brown, and black scales, and a distinctive white tuft on its head.
