maple leafblotch miner
Common Namemaple leafblotch miner
Scientific NameCameraria aceriella
FamilyGracillariidae
SubfamilyLithocolletinae
Wingspan (mm)7
Primary Colorsyellowish-brown, dark brown, metallic silver
HabitatDeciduous forests, woodlands, parks, suburban areas
Geographic RangeEastern North America
Host Plantssugar maple, red maple, silver maple, boxelder
Flight PeriodApril to October
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid on maple leaves, and larvae hatch to create large, irregular blotch mines within the leaf tissue. Pupation occurs inside the mine or in leaf litter, with multiple generations per year.
Identification TipsAdults are rarely observed due to their small size; identification is primarily by the characteristic large, irregular, whitish blotch mines found on the leaves of maple trees.
Description
A very small moth, typically yellowish-brown with darker mottled markings and some metallic scales. Its larvae are known for creating distinctive blotch mines on the leaves of maple trees.
