Gracillariidae
Guides
Cameraria mediodorsella
Cameraria mediodorsella is a minute leaf-mining moth in the family Gracillariidae. It is endemic to California, where larvae feed on several oak (Quercus) species. The species was described by Braun in 1908.
Cameraria new-species-on-lyonia-fruticosa
An undescribed species of Cameraria (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae) that has been documented feeding on Lyonia fruticosa, a shrub in the Ericaceae family. The species has not yet received formal taxonomic description. As with other Cameraria species, it likely produces blotch mines in leaves during its larval stage. The specific epithet reflects its documented host association rather than a formal scientific name.
Cameraria obstrictella
Cameraria obstrictella is a small moth in the family Gracillariidae, first described by Clemens in 1859. It is found in eastern North America, where its larvae create leaf mines on oak species and wax myrtle. The species has a wingspan of 7–8 mm.
Cameraria ostryarella
Hophornbeam Blotchminer
Cameraria ostryarella is a small leaf-mining moth in the family Gracillariidae. The species is restricted to eastern North America, where its larvae feed exclusively on hophornbeam (Ostrya) species. Larvae create blotch mines in leaves, giving the species its common name. Adults are tiny, with a wingspan of only 6–7 mm.
Cameraria pentekes
Cameraria pentekes is a small leaf-mining moth described by Opler and Davis in 1981. The species is restricted to western North America, occurring in British Columbia, Canada, and the states of California and Washington in the United States. Its larvae are specialized miners of oak leaves, feeding exclusively on Quercus douglasii and Quercus lobata. The species name refers to the distinctive five-pointed vincular process of the male genitalia.
Cameraria quercivorella
Rusty Oak Leafminer
A small leaf-mining moth in the family Gracillariidae, known from eastern North America. Adults are tiny with a wingspan of 6.5–7 mm. Larvae create distinctive blotch mines on the upper surface of oak leaves.
Cameraria serpentinensis
Cameraria serpentinensis is a leaf-mining moth in the family Gracillariidae, endemic to California. Adults have forewings 3.2–4.2 mm in length. The species is named for its association with serpentine soils, where one of its oak hosts occurs. Larvae create distinctive ovoid mines on several Quercus species.
Cameraria ulmella
Elm Leafminer
A minute leaf-mining moth in the family Gracillariidae, measuring 6.5–7 mm in wingspan. The species produces distinctive flat mines on the upper leaf surfaces of oak and elm trees. It exhibits bivoltine development with distinct seasonal broods that differ in overwintering strategy.
Chilocampyla
Chilocampyla is a genus of minute moths in the family Gracillariidae, first described by August Busck in 1900. The genus contains two described species: Chilocampyla dyariella (1900) and Chilocampyla psidiella (1934). As members of Gracillariidae, these moths likely possess the family characteristic of larval leaf-mining behavior, though specific biology for Chilocampyla species remains poorly documented. The genus is classified within the subfamily Acrocercopinae.
Chilocampyla dyariella
Chilocampyla dyariella is a small leaf-mining moth in the family Gracillariidae, endemic to Florida, United States. The species has a wingspan of 7–8.5 mm. Its larvae are specialized miners on Eugenia species (Myrtaceae), creating distinctive bladder-like blotch mines on leaves. The species was described by August Busck in 1900.
Chrysaster ostensackenella
A small leaf-mining moth in the family Gracillariidae, native to eastern North America and recently established as an invasive pest in East Asia, Europe, and Russia. Adults have a wingspan of approximately 4–5 mm. Larvae feed exclusively on Robinia species, creating distinctive blotch mines on leaves. The species has spread rapidly through human-mediated transport of host plants and is expected to expand further in regions where black locust is planted.
Cremastobombycia
A genus of micromoths in the family Gracillariidae, subfamily Lithocolletinae. Species are leaf miners primarily associated with Asteraceae host plants. The genus was established by Braun in 1908 and includes at least nine described species distributed across the Americas, with recent discoveries extending its range to South American high-elevation Andean habitats. Several species have been investigated for biological control of invasive plants.
Cremastobombycia chromolaenae
Cremastobombycia chromolaenae is a leaf-mining moth in the family Gracillariidae, described in 2013 by Davis. The species is a natural enemy of Chromolaena odorata (Siam weed), an invasive plant in the Asteraceae family. Its larvae feed as leaf miners within the host plant tissue.
Cremastobombycia solidaginis
Goldenrod Leafminer
Cremastobombycia solidaginis is a microlepidopteran moth in the family Gracillariidae, commonly known as the Goldenrod Leafminer. The species is distributed across eastern North America from Ontario and Quebec south to Florida and Texas. Larvae feed internally in leaves of goldenrod (Solidago) species and Baccharis pilularis, creating characteristic mines. Adults are small with a wingspan of 7–9 mm.
Dialectica cordiella
Dialectica cordiella is a species of micro-moth in the family Gracillariidae, a group known for leaf-mining larvae. The species is documented from limited observations, with 33 records on iNaturalist. Like other members of its genus, it likely has larvae that feed internally on plant tissue, creating characteristic mines in leaves. Adult moths are small with narrow wings typical of the family.
Epicephala
leafflower moths
Epicephala is a genus of small moths in the family Gracillariidae, notable for obligate pollination mutualisms with plants in the tribe Phyllantheae (Phyllanthaceae). Many species actively pollinate their host plants while simultaneously acting as seed predators, with larvae developing inside host fruits and consuming a portion of the developing seeds. This specialized relationship has evolved independently at least five times and involves over 500 host plant species. Some species have secondarily lost the pollinating behavior and function solely as seed parasites.
Eucosmophora
Eucosmophora is a genus of leaf-mining moths in the family Gracillariidae, established by Walsingham in 1897. The genus contains approximately 17 described species distributed primarily in the Neotropical region, with some species extending into the Nearctic. Members are characterized by their larval habit of creating blotch mines in host plant foliage. At least one species, E. schinusivora, has been extensively studied as a potential biological control agent for invasive Brazilian peppertree (Schinus terebinthifolius).
Eucosmophora pithecellobiae
Eucosmophora pithecellobiae is a small moth in the family Gracillariidae, described by Davis and Wagner in 2005. The species is known from Florida in the United States and Belize. As a member of Gracillariidae, it is likely a leaf-mining species, though specific biology remains incompletely documented. The species epithet references Pithecellobium, a genus of leguminous plants, suggesting a possible host association.
Gracillaria
Gracillaria is a genus of small moths in the family Gracillariidae, established by Adrian Haworth in 1828. The genus contains nine recognized species distributed across Europe, Asia, and North America. Members of this genus are leaf-mining moths, with larvae that feed internally on plant tissue. The type species, Gracillaria syringella, was described by Fabricius in 1794 and is known to feed on lilac and privet.
Gracillariinae
Gracillariinae is a subfamily of leaf-mining moths within the family Gracillariidae, first described by Henry Tibbats Stainton in 1854. The subfamily contains diverse genera including Caloptilia, Gracillaria, and Sabulopteryx. Larvae are predominantly leaf miners, with most species exhibiting a characteristic life cycle involving an initial sap-feeding instar with modified mouthparts, though some species have been shown to deviate from this pattern. The subfamily has been subject to significant taxonomic revision, with phylogenetic studies in 2017 reorganizing generic placements among related subfamilies.
Leucanthiza amphicarpeaefoliella
Leucanthiza amphicarpeaefoliella is a minute leaf-mining moth in the family Gracillariidae, described by Clemens in 1859. The species occurs in northeastern North America, with records from Ontario and Québec in Canada and several eastern and midwestern U.S. states. Adults are small with a wingspan of approximately 8 mm. The larvae are specialized leaf miners on Amphicarpaea bracteata, a leguminous vine.
Leucospilapteryx
Leucospilapteryx is a genus of small moths in the family Gracillariidae, first described by Spuler in 1910. The genus contains three recognized species distributed across parts of Europe and North America. Members of this genus are leaf-mining moths, with larvae that feed internally on plant tissues. The genus is classified within the subfamily Acrocercopinae.
Macrosaccus coursetiae
Macrosaccus coursetiae is a small moth in the family Gracillariidae, described from Arizona in 2017. It is the sixth species in the genus Macrosaccus. The larvae are leaf miners that feed inside the leaves of Coursetia glandulosa (Fabaceae). The parasitoid wasp Chrysocharis walleyi (Eulophidae) has been reared from its leaf mines.
Macrosaccus neomexicanus
Macrosaccus neomexicanus is a minute leaf-mining moth in the family Gracillariidae, described by Davis in 2011. The species is endemic to the southwestern United States, where it is known from Arizona and New Mexico. Its larvae are specialized feeders on New Mexico locust (Robinia neomexicana), creating distinctive tentiform leaf mines. The specific epithet references its host plant rather than its geographic distribution.
Macrosaccus robiniella
Black Locust Leafminer
A small leaf-mining moth in the family Gracillariidae, native to North America and invasive in Europe since 1983. Adults have a wingspan of 5.5–6.5 mm. Larvae are highly specialized miners of black locust (Robinia) leaves, producing distinctive blotch mines. Recent research has documented unexpected behavioral plasticity, with larvae capable of producing four distinct mine types that vary in position and appearance.
Macrosaccus uhlerella
Macrosaccus uhlerella is a small leaf-mining moth in the family Gracillariidae. It is known from five U.S. states: Illinois, Missouri, New York, Colorado, and Texas. The larvae feed on leguminous host plants, creating distinctive blotch mines on the undersides of leaves. This species has been documented mining leaves of Amorpha and Robinia species.
Marmara
Marmara is a genus of micro-moths in the family Gracillariidae, subfamily Phyllocnistinae. These moths are characterized by their minute size and distinctive wing patterns. The genus was established by James Brackenridge Clemens in 1863. Species in this genus are known for their extremely small size, with some individuals having wingspans as small as 4 mm.
Marmara apocynella
Marmara apocynella is a small moth in the family Gracillariidae. The species is known from the eastern and midwestern United States, with records from Ohio, Maine, and Oklahoma. Its larvae are stem miners that feed on Apocynum cannabinum (Indian hemp), creating distinctive long, whitish, serpentine mines.
Marmara arbutiella
Madrone Skin Miner
Marmara arbutiella is a minute moth in the family Gracillariidae, commonly known as the Madrone Skin Miner. It is characterized by an exceptionally small wingspan of approximately 4 mm. The species is known from western North America, with records from Canada and the United States. Larvae are leaf miners that feed on Arbutus and Arctostaphylos species.
Marmara elotella
Apple Barkminer
Marmara elotella, commonly known as the apple barkminer, is a microlepidopteran moth in the family Gracillariidae. The species is known from five eastern US states and is associated with apple and pear cultivation. Its larvae are specialized twig miners that feed as sap-feeders within host plant tissues.
Marmara fasciella
White Pine Barkminer Moth
Marmara fasciella, commonly known as the white pine barkminer moth, is a microlepidopteran species in the family Gracillariidae. It is distributed in eastern North America, with records from Québec, Canada, and several northeastern and mid-Atlantic U.S. states. The species is associated with coniferous and broadleaf trees, with larvae feeding internally on host plants.
Marmara fraxinicola
Marmara fraxinicola is a micro-moth in the family Gracillariidae, first described by Braun in 1922. The species is known from northeastern North America, with records from Québec, Canada, and the U.S. states of Ohio, Vermont, and New York. It has one generation per year and is a specialist stem-miner of ash trees (Fraxinus species).
Marmara gulosa
Citrus Peelminer
Marmara gulosa is a small gracillariid moth, approximately 4 mm in length, commonly known as the citrus peelminer. Native to the United States where it originally fed on willow (Salix lasiolepis), the species has undergone a documented host-shift to non-native plants including citrus varieties and ornamentals such as oleander. It is known from California, Arizona, Texas, and Florida, as well as Cuba. The species is of economic concern as a pest of citrus, particularly grapefruit in southwestern growing regions. A distinct species from the similar Marmara salictella, it was formally described in 2001.
Marmara on-arctostaphylos
A leaf-mining moth in the family Gracillariidae, genus Marmara. The species epithet references its host plant association with Arctostaphylos (manzanita). Members of this genus are minute moths with larvae that create serpentine or blotch mines in leaves.
Marmara on-symplocos-tinctoria
Marmara on-symplocos-tinctoria is a leaf-mining moth in the family Gracillariidae. The species epithet references its association with Symplocos tinctoria, a southeastern US tree. Like other Marmara species, larvae produce serpentine mines in host plant foliage. The species was described based on specimens from Florida.
Marmara opuntiella
Opuntia Leaf Miner
Marmara opuntiella is a microlepidopteran moth in the family Gracillariidae, commonly known as the Opuntia Leaf Miner. The species was described by Busck in 1907 and is known from Texas, United States, and Mexico. Larvae create distinctive mines in the leaves of cactus hosts. Records of similar larvae with identical habits from Colombia, Cuba, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Peru, and Venezuela may also represent this species, suggesting a potentially broader Neotropical distribution.
Marmara viburnella
Marmara viburnella is a micro-moth in the family Gracillariidae, subfamily Phyllocnistinae. It is a leaf-mining species whose larvae create serpentine mines in host plant foliage. The species is known from northeastern North America, with records from Canada (Quebec) and the United States (Connecticut, Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland). As a member of the genus Marmara, it exhibits the highly reduced wing venation and elongated body form characteristic of this group of minute moths.
Marmarinae
Marmarinae is a subfamily of minute moths within the family Gracillariidae, erected by Kawahara and Ohshima in 2016 based on molecular phylogenetic analyses. It contains two genera: Marmara (the type genus) and Dendrorycter. These moths are leaf miners, with larvae that tunnel within plant tissues.
Metriochroa
Metriochroa is a genus of leaf-mining moths in the family Gracillariidae, subfamily Oecophyllembiinae. Species are known from Asia, Africa, and possibly other regions. The genus was established by Busck in 1900. Larvae create leaf mines on host plants. Pupal morphology has been described as diagnostic for distinguishing Oecophyllembiinae from related groups.
Metriochroa psychotriella
Metriochroa psychotriella is a minute moth in the family Gracillariidae. The species is known only from Florida, United States. Its larvae are leaf miners that develop inside the foliage of Psychotria species.
Neurobathra
Neurobathra is a genus of small moths in the family Gracillariidae, established by Ely in 1918. The genus contains three described species distributed in North America. Members of this genus are leaf-mining moths, with larvae that feed internally within plant tissue. The genus is classified in the subfamily Ornixolinae.
Neurobathra bohartiella
Neurobathra bohartiella is a small moth in the family Gracillariidae, described by Opler in 1971. The species is endemic to California and is known only from a limited number of observations. Its larvae are leaf miners on coast live oak (Quercus agrifolia).
Neurostrota
Neurostrota is a genus of small moths in the family Gracillariidae, established by Ely in 1918. The genus contains five described species distributed in the Neotropical region and Australia. At least one species, N. gunniella, has been deployed as a biological control agent for invasive Mimosa pigra. Larvae are leaf miners that feed internally on host plant foliage.
Neurostrota gunniella
mimosa stem-mining moth
Neurostrota gunniella is a gracillariid moth native to the Americas, introduced to Australia in 1989 as a biological control agent for the invasive weed Mimosa pigra. The species exhibits strong microhabitat selection for edge habitats within host plant stands, with larvae causing greater damage to branches at thicket edges than in interior areas. It has been observed in both wet and dry seasons, maintaining consistent attack rates across locations but concentrating feeding activity at habitat margins.
New-genus-near-neurobathra
This genus represents a newly recognized lineage of leaf-mining moths within Gracillariidae, positioned phylogenetically near Neurobathra. It comprises species that construct serpentine or blotch mines in living leaf tissue. The genus was erected to accommodate taxa previously misassigned or undescribed, distinguished by unique genitalic and larval morphological features.
Oecophyllembiinae
Oecophyllembiinae is a subfamily of moths within the family Gracillariidae, established by Pierre Réal and Alfred Serge Balachowsky in 1966. The subfamily contains seven recognized genera: Angelabella, Corythoxestis, Eumetriochroa, Guttigera, Metriochroa, and Prophyllocnistis. Members are leaf-mining moths, with larvae that feed internally on plant tissue. The group is relatively small but taxonomically stable.
Ornixolinae
Ornixolinae is a subfamily of leaf-mining micromoths within Gracillariidae, established in 2001. Members are characterized by specialized genital structures including hindwings with small frenular bristles along the costa in both sexes, a dorsal flap on tergum VIII in males, and a sclerotized semicircular female lamella antevaginalis. The subfamily contains approximately 30 genera distributed globally, with notable radiations in Australia, Hawaii, and Asia. Larvae are endophytic leaf miners that create diagnostic mine forms including serpentine, linear, and blotch patterns.
Parectopa
A genus of small moths in the family Gracillariidae. Species are leaf miners, with larvae feeding internally on host plant foliage. The genus includes approximately 40 described species distributed across multiple continents. Several species have become invasive pests, notably Parectopa robiniella on black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) in Europe.
Parectopa bumeliella
Parectopa bumeliella is a leaf-mining moth in the family Gracillariidae, first described by Annette Frances Braun in 1939. The species is known from the south-central United States, with confirmed records in Kentucky, Arkansas, and several adjacent states. Larvae feed on Sideroxylon species, creating mines in the leaves of their host plants.
Parectopa robiniella
Locust Digitate Leafminer, Locust Digitate Leafminer Moth
Parectopa robiniella is a small gracillariid moth native to North America that has become invasive in Europe. First detected in Italy in 1970, it has since spread to at least ten European countries including Ukraine, where it was first recorded in 2003. The species is a specialist leaf miner whose larvae feed on Robinia species, particularly the black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia). Its spread has been facilitated by global warming and the widespread planting of its host tree.