Shield Bearer Moths

Heliozelidae

Classification

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Heliozelidae: //ˌhiːli.oʊˈzɛlɪˌdaɪ//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Antispila eugeniella by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.
Antispila major by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.
Antispila major by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.
Antispila major by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.
Antispila major by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.
Aspilanta ampelopsifoliella (10.3897-zookeys.957.53908) Figures 69–79 by van Nieukerken EJ, Eiseman CS (2020) Splitting the leafmining shield-bearer moth genus Antispila Hübner (Lepidoptera, Heliozelidae): North American species with reduced venation placed in Aspilanta new genus, with a review of heliozelid morphology. ZooKeys 957: 105-161.. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Summary

Heliozelidae, also known as shield-bearer moths, are tiny day-flying moths known for their leaf-mining larvae that create distinct shield-shaped cases from host leaves.

Physical Characteristics

Less than 3 mm; typically have iridescent, metallic-appearing scaling. Small eyes, characteristic of diurnal microlepidoptera. Larvae are flattened and usually legless.

Identification Tips

Look for distinctive leaf mines with 'shot holes' created by the larvae; adult moths typically show metallic scaling.

Habitat

Varied habitats where host plants thrive, as larvae are host-specific and primarily leaf miners.

Distribution

Worldwide distribution with 30 species and 3 genera recorded in North America.

Diet

Species are host-specific, utilizing at least 17 families of angiosperms; some species are pests of crops such as grapevines, cranberries, and walnuts.

Life Cycle

The life cycle includes larval stages where larvae mine leaves and create portable cases from mined leaf material.

Ecosystem Role

Larvae act as leaf miners and can impact plant health, influencing ecosystem dynamics.

Economic Impact

Some species are considered pests of commercial crops.

Collecting Methods

  • Light traps
  • Netting adults during daytime
  • Searching for larvae on host plants

Preservation Methods

  • Pinning specimens
  • Drying specimens for mounting
  • Using ethanol for larval preservation

Evolution

Taxonomy of this family is poorly understood, indicating a complex evolutionary path.

Misconceptions

Due to their small size and leaf mining habit, they may be confused with other micro-moths or leaf miners.

Tags

  • Lepidoptera
  • Microlepidoptera
  • Heliozelidae
  • Shield Bearer Moths
  • Pest Species