Pecan Leafminer Moth
Common NamePecan Leafminer Moth
Scientific NameStigmella juglandifoliella
FamilyNepticulidae
Wingspan (mm)3.5
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsorange, brown, white, black
HabitatForests, woodlands, orchards, areas with pecan and hickory trees
Geographic RangeEastern North America
Host PlantsCarya illinoinensis (Pecan), Carya spp. (Hickories)
Flight PeriodMay to September (multiple generations)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are leafminers, creating serpentine mines within the leaves of pecan and hickory trees. Pupation typically occurs outside the mine in a silken cocoon.
Identification TipsKey features include its extremely small size (3-4mm wingspan), the distinctive coppery-orange and dark brown striped pattern on the forewings, and its association with pecan and hickory trees, where its larval leaf mines can be found.
Description
A minute moth with coppery-orange and dark brown striped forewings, often exhibiting a metallic sheen, and a prominent tuft of scales on its head.
