Pecan Leafminer
Common NamePecan Leafminer
Scientific NameStigmella caryaefoliella
FamilyNepticulidae
Wingspan (mm)3.5
Primary Colorsdark brown, silver, gold
HabitatDeciduous forests, orchards, and areas with hickory and pecan trees
Geographic RangeEastern North America
Host PlantsCarya illinoinensis (Pecan), Carya ovata (Shagbark Hickory), other Carya species
Flight PeriodMay to October (multiple generations)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae create a distinctive, narrow, serpentine mine on the upper surface of hickory and pecan leaves, gradually widening as the larva grows. Pupation occurs outside the mine in a silken cocoon.
Identification TipsBest identified by the characteristic serpentine leaf mine on *Carya* species leaves, which starts very narrow and gradually expands. Adult moths are tiny and require magnification for precise identification.
Description
A minute moth, typically dark brown to black with a metallic sheen, often featuring a silvery or golden transverse fascia across the forewings.
