Oak Leaf Miner Moth
Common NameOak Leaf Miner Moth
Scientific NameStigmella quercipulchella
FamilyNepticulidae
SubfamilyNepticulinae
Wingspan (mm)4
Primary Colorsdark brown, bronze, pale yellow
HabitatDeciduous forests, woodlands, and areas with oak trees
Geographic RangeEastern North America (eastern United States and Canada)
Host PlantsOak (Quercus spp.), White Oak (Quercus alba), Red Oak (Quercus rubra), Black Oak (Quercus velutina)
Flight PeriodApril to May, and July to August (bivoltine)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid on oak leaves, and the larvae hatch to create a narrow, winding mine within the leaf tissue. Pupation occurs outside the leaf mine, often in a cocoon in leaf litter.
Identification TipsAdults are tiny and require microscopic examination for identification. The most reliable field identification is by the characteristic serpentine leaf mine on oak leaves, which starts narrow and gradually widens, containing a central line of frass.
Description
A minute moth, typically dark bronzy-fuscous with a metallic sheen, sometimes featuring a pale transverse band on the forewings. Its larvae are known for creating distinctive serpentine mines on oak leaves.
