Walnut Caloptilia Moth
Common NameWalnut Caloptilia Moth
Scientific NameCaloptilia juglandiella
FamilyGracillariidae
SubfamilyGracillariinae
Wingspan (mm)9
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsdark brown, cream, pale yellow
HabitatDeciduous forests, woodlands, orchards, suburban areas where host plants are present
Geographic RangeEastern and Central North America
Host PlantsJuglans (walnut species), Carya (hickory species)
Flight PeriodMay to October (multiple generations)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are leaf miners, creating characteristic mines within the leaves of walnut and hickory trees. Pupation typically occurs within the leaf mine or in a cocoon on the leaf surface.
Identification TipsKey features include its minute size, the distinctive dark brown and pale striped pattern on the forewings, and its characteristic resting posture with the head raised and body angled upwards.
Description
A very small, slender moth with dark brown forewings featuring a prominent, irregular pale cream or yellowish stripe along the costa and other lighter markings. It often rests with its head raised and body angled.
