White-bodied Midget
Common NameWhite-bodied Midget
Scientific NamePhyllonorycter acerifoliella
FamilyGracillariidae
SubfamilyLithocolletinae
Wingspan (mm)7
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorssilvery-white, golden-brown
HabitatDeciduous woodlands, parks, gardens
Geographic RangeEurope, Eastern North America
Host Plantsmaple (Acer spp.), Norway maple (Acer platanoides), sycamore maple (Acer pseudoplatanus)
Flight PeriodMay to June, July to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are leaf miners, creating distinctive tentiform mines on the underside of maple leaves, where they also pupate. Typically has two to three generations per year.
Identification TipsAdults are identified by their small size and specific silvery-white and golden-brown forewing pattern. Larval presence is recognized by the characteristic tentiform mines on maple leaves, often with a visible central dark frass spot.
Description
A tiny moth with iridescent silvery-white forewings marked with golden-brown streaks and a prominent dark apical spot, and plain grey hindwings.
