St. John's Wort Leaf-miner
Common NameSt. John's Wort Leaf-miner
Scientific NameCaloptilia hypericella
FamilyGracillariidae
SubfamilyGracillariinae
Wingspan (mm)9
Primary Colorsbrown, grey, whitish
HabitatMeadows, grasslands, open woodlands, disturbed areas where host plants grow
Geographic RangeEurope, Asia, introduced to North America
Host PlantsHypericum perforatum, Hypericum maculatum, Hypericum pulchrum
Flight PeriodMay to June, July to September (bivoltine)
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are leaf miners on various St. John's Wort species, creating blotch mines on the leaves before pupating.
Identification TipsLook for its small size, the distinctive raised resting posture, and its association with St. John's Wort plants. The mottled grey-brown wing pattern with subtle darker markings is also characteristic.
Description
A small, slender moth with long antennae and mottled greyish-brown forewings, often held in a characteristic raised posture with the head angled upwards.
