Caloptilia umbratella
(Braun, 1927)
Caloptilia umbratella is a small in the Gracillariidae, known from eastern North America. The larvae are leaf miners on maple , specifically Acer rubrum and Acer saccharum. There are probably two per year. The species is attracted to ultraviolet light, a trait common among moths in this family.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Caloptilia umbratella: /ˌkæloʊˈptɪliə ˌʌmbrəˈtɛlə/
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Habitat
Associated with deciduous forests and wooded areas where maples (Acer rubrum and Acer saccharum) occur. The has been documented in suburban and rural settings where these host trees are present.
Distribution
Eastern North America: Ontario and Québec in Canada; Kentucky and Virginia in the United States.
Seasonality
Probably , with two per year. have been observed in July during National Week events, suggesting summer activity.
Diet
Larvae feed on Acer rubrum (red maple) and Acer saccharum (sugar maple), mining the leaves of their plant.
Host Associations
- Acer rubrum - larval leaf mining
- Acer saccharum - larval leaf mining
Life Cycle
Larvae mine leaves of maples. likely occurs within the mine or in a silken cocoon on the leaf surface, typical of Gracillariidae. are and attracted to light.
Behavior
are and attracted to ultraviolet light sources. Larvae are leaf miners, feeding internally within maple leaves.
Ecological Role
As a , the larvae create feeding galleries within maple leaves. This may affect individual leaf function but is not considered a significant pest of healthy trees. The contributes to local biodiversity in maple-dominated forest .
Similar Taxa
- Caloptilia blandellaAnother maple-feeding Caloptilia with similar size and preferences; requires examination of genitalia or larval specificity for definitive separation
- Other Caloptilia speciesMany Caloptilia are superficially similar small with narrow wings; accurate identification often requires dissection or rearing from known
More Details
Taxonomic note
Described by Annette Frances Braun in 1927, a prominent American lepidopterist who described numerous Gracillariidae .