Toyon Leaf Miner
Common NameToyon Leaf Miner
Scientific NameStigmella heteromelis
FamilyNepticulidae
SubfamilyNepticulinae
Wingspan (mm)4
Primary Colorsdark brown, purplish-bronze, gold
HabitatChaparral, woodlands, and gardens where its host plant, Toyon, grows.
Geographic RangeWestern North America, primarily California and Baja California.
Host PlantsHeteromeles arbutifolia (Toyon)
Flight PeriodMultiple generations, typically March to October
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid on Toyon leaves. The larvae are leaf miners, creating a winding gallery that gradually widens and is filled with frass. Pupation occurs outside the mine, often in a cocoon on the ground.
Identification TipsThe most reliable identification is by the characteristic serpentine leaf mine found exclusively on *Heteromeles arbutifolia* (Toyon) leaves, which starts narrow and widens, featuring a central frass trail.
Description
A minute moth with dark, often purplish-bronze forewings that may have a pale fascia. Its larva creates a distinctive serpentine mine on Toyon leaves.
