Tulip Tree Leaf Miner
Common NameTulip Tree Leaf Miner
Scientific NamePhyllonorycter liriodendronella
FamilyGracillariidae
SubfamilyLithocolletinae
Wingspan (mm)7
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorssilver, pale brown, dark brown
HabitatDeciduous forests, parks, and gardens
Geographic RangeEastern North America
Host PlantsLiriodendron tulipifera
Flight PeriodMay to October
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are leaf miners, creating distinctive blotch mines on the underside of Tulip Tree leaves. Pupation occurs within the mine, and multiple generations emerge throughout the warmer months.
Identification TipsKey features include its small size (6-8mm wingspan), the silvery-white forewings with dark-edged oblique streaks, and the characteristic blotch mines found on the leaves of *Liriodendron tulipifera*.
Description
A minute, slender moth with shiny, silvery-white to pale golden-brown forewings marked by several dark-edged, oblique streaks and a small dark spot near the tornus. Its hindwings are narrow and heavily fringed.
