Coptodisca magnella

The contrasting silvery gray and golden yellow forewing pattern is distinctive within the genus. Similar Coptodisca species typically show different color patterns or host associations; confirmation may require examination of genitalia or larval host plant.

Basal half of forewings pale silvery gray; apical half golden yellow. Hindwings gray.

Associated with Gaylussacia (huckleberry) host plants, suggesting occurrence in acidic woodlands, bogs, or shrub-dominated habitats where these plants grow.

Eastern North America: confirmed from Kentucky, Mississippi, and Ohio. Likely more widespread in suitable habitat within the range of its host plants.

Larvae feed on Gaylussacia species (Ericaceae), mining leaves of host plant.

• Gaylussacia - larval host plantleaf miner

Larvae are leaf miners; pupation likely occurs within the leaf mine or in soil, as is typical for Heliozelidae. Adults emerge to mate and oviposit on host foliage.

Adults are diurnal or crepuscular. Larvae construct blotch or serpentine mines in leaves of Gaylussacia, feeding between epidermal layers.

Leaf miner on Gaylussacia; contributes to herbivore community structure in huckleberry-dominated ecosystems. May serve as prey for parasitoid wasps and other natural enemies.

• Coptodisca kalmiellaAlso feeds on Ericaceae (Kalmia), but has different wing pattern and host plant
• Other Coptodisca speciesMany are leaf miners on different host plants; wing patterns and host associations differ

• BugGuide
• Wikipedia
• GBIF taxonomy match
• iNaturalist taxon
• Catalogue of Life