Cameraria mediodorsella

Distinguished from other Cameraria species by genitalia morphology and geographic restriction to California. The specific name 'mediodorsella' refers to a dorsal marking pattern. Leaf mines on Quercus species may aid detection of larval presence.

Wingspan 7–8.5 mm. Small moth with narrow, pointed forewings characteristic of the family Gracillariidae. Coloration not explicitly described in sources.

Associated with oak woodlands and forests where host Quercus species occur. Larval habitat is within leaves of host plants.

Endemic to California, United States. Known from multiple localities within the state.

Larvae feed on Quercus garryana, Quercus kelloggii, Quercus lobata, and Quercus suber. Adults do not feed; larvae are leaf miners.

• Quercus garryana - larval hostleaf miner
• Quercus kelloggii - larval hostleaf miner
• Quercus lobata - larval hostleaf miner
• Quercus suber - larval hostleaf miner; non-native host

Complete metamorphosis. Larvae develop inside leaves, creating mines. Specific details on pupation site and number of generations per year are not documented.

Larvae are endophagous leaf miners, feeding between leaf epidermis layers. This concealed feeding habit is typical of Gracillariidae.

As a leaf miner, larvae may affect photosynthetic capacity of host oaks. Population impacts on tree health have not been quantified.

No documented economic or ecological significance to humans. Not considered a pest species.

• Other Cameraria speciesMany Cameraria species are leaf miners on oaks; identification requires examination of genitalia or DNA barcoding
• Phyllonorycter speciesAlso Gracillariidae leaf miners on oaks; differ in mine morphology and larval morphology

• leaf miner
• oak specialist
• California endemic
• Gracillariidae
• microlepidoptera

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