Witch-hazel Caloptilia
Common NameWitch-hazel Caloptilia
Scientific NameCaloptilia hamamelifoliella
FamilyGracillariidae
SubfamilyGracillariinae
Wingspan (mm)9
Primary Colorspale green, reddish-brown, yellowish-orange
HabitatDeciduous forests, woodlands, forest edges where witch-hazel grows
Geographic RangeEastern North America (from Quebec and Ontario south to Florida and west to Texas)
Host PlantsWitch-hazel (Hamamelis virginiana)
Flight PeriodMay to June, August to September (bivoltine)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesThe larvae are leaf miners, creating blotch mines on the leaves of witch-hazel. Pupation occurs within the mine or in a folded leaf edge.
Identification TipsKey identification features include its small size, the distinctive pale green and reddish-brown forewing pattern, and its specific association with witch-hazel as a host plant. Its typical resting posture with the head raised is also characteristic.
Description
A small, slender moth with pale yellowish-green forewings marked by a prominent reddish-brown streak along the costa and a reddish-brown patch with yellowish-orange tufts at the apex.
