Porphyrosela minuta
Common NamePorphyrosela minuta
Scientific NamePorphyrosela minuta
FamilyGracillariidae
SubfamilyLithocolletinae
Wingspan (mm)4
Primary Colorsorange, white, black
HabitatWoodlands, forest edges, fields, and disturbed areas where host plants are present
Geographic RangeEastern North America (eastern United States and southeastern Canada)
Host PlantsDesmodium spp., Lespedeza spp.
Flight PeriodMay to September (multiple generations)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are leaf miners, creating characteristic blotch mines on the upper surface of leaves of various legume host plants before pupating within the mine or on the leaf surface.
Identification TipsKey features include its extremely small size, the distinctive coppery-orange and iridescent white banded pattern on the forewings, and the dark head tuft. Identification is often confirmed by finding its characteristic leaf mines on *Desmodium* or *Lespedeza* plants.
Description
A minute moth characterized by its coppery-orange forewings marked with iridescent white, transverse bands and a prominent dark, bristly head tuft. Its hindwings are very narrow and heavily fringed.
