Poplar Leafminer Moth
Common NamePoplar Leafminer Moth
Scientific NamePhyllocnistis labyrinthella
FamilyGracillariidae
SubfamilyPhyllocnistinae
Wingspan (mm)4.5
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorscream, light brown, black, gold
HabitatDeciduous forests, woodlands, riparian areas
Geographic RangeNorth America (Canada and USA)
Host PlantsPopulus, Salix
Flight PeriodMay to October
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are obligate leafminers, creating long, winding, serpentine mines on the underside of leaves of poplar and willow trees. Pupation occurs within the mine.
Identification TipsLook for its extremely small size, pale forewings with dark streaks and an iridescent golden patch ending in a black spot, and the characteristic fan-like anal tuft. The serpentine leaf mines on poplar/willow leaves are also diagnostic.
Description
A minute, slender moth with pale, cream-colored forewings marked with dark brown streaks and a distinctive iridescent golden patch near the apex, culminating in a black spot. It has a prominent, fan-like tuft of scales at the end of its abdomen.
