Leaf-miner
Guides
Lyonetia
Lyonetia is a genus of moths in the family Lyonetiidae. Species in this genus are leaf miners, with larvae that feed internally between the upper and lower epidermis of leaves. The genus includes species with broad geographic distributions across northern Europe, northern Asia, and North America. One species, Lyonetia ledi, has been documented as a glacial relict population in the Swiss Alps, where it has shifted to feeding on the toxic alpine rose (Rhododendron ferrugineum).
Lyonetia prunifoliella
Blackthorn Blister Moth
Lyonetia prunifoliella is a small leaf-mining moth in the family Lyonetiidae. Adults have a wingspan of 9–10 mm and are active in autumn, overwintering before reappearing in spring. The larvae create distinctive leaf mines on a broad range of host plants in the Rosaceae family, including Prunus, Betula, Crataegus, and Sorbus species. The species is widespread across northern Europe and Asia, with populations also established in North America.
Macrosaccus
Macrosaccus is a genus of leaf-mining moths in the family Gracillariidae, established by Davis & De Prins in 2011. The genus currently contains six recognized species, all of which are leaf miners on Fabaceae (legume family) host plants. The generic name derives from Greek μακρο- (long) and σάκκος (bag), referring to the elongate saccus in male genitalia. Several species have become economically significant as agricultural pests, particularly M. morrisella, which recently expanded from native forest legumes to soybean.
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 morrisella
hog peanut moth, soybean tentiform leafminer
Macrosaccus morrisella is a small leaf-mining moth in the family Gracillariidae, native to North America. Historically associated with native legumes including American hogpeanut and slickseed fuzzybean, it has recently expanded its host range to include soybean, with first reports from Quebec in 2016 and Minnesota in 2021. The species is notable for its hypermetamorphic larvae that produce distinctive serpentine-to-blotch-to-tentiform leaf mines, and its emergence as a potential agricultural pest of a major commodity crop.
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.
Mantura floridana
Mantura floridana is a species of flea beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, first described by Crotch in 1873. The species is found in North America, with larvae that are leaf miners feeding on Fallopia scandens. Larvae appear yellow through the leaf epidermis due to their leaf-mining habit.
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 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 salictella
Marmara salictella is a micro-moth in the family Gracillariidae, first described by Clemens in 1863. The species is known from eastern and western North America, with records from Québec and Ontario in Canada, and multiple U.S. states including Connecticut, Maine, Vermont, Virginia, California, and the Atlantic coastal states. Larvae are associated with willow species (Salix), including Salix lasiolepis and Salix lutea.
Marmara serotinella
Marmara serotinella is a microlepidopteran moth in the family Gracillariidae, first described by Busck in 1915. The species is known from the eastern United States, with confirmed records from Virginia, Maine, and Massachusetts. Its larvae are leaf miners that feed on black cherry (Prunus serotina).
Marmara smilacisella
Marmara smilacisella is a microlepidopteran moth in the family Gracillariidae. The species was described by Chambers in 1875 and is known from the southeastern United States. Its larvae are specialized feeders on Smilax species. The species is one of approximately 700 described species in the genus Marmara, a diverse group of neotropical and nearctic leaf-mining moths.
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.
Mastogenius castlei
Mastogenius castlei is a species of metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, described by Champlain and Knull in 1922. The genus Mastogenius comprises some of the smallest buprestids, with adults measuring approximately 2 mm in length. Very little specific information is documented for this species; most knowledge of the genus derives from congeneric species.
Mastogenius subcyaneus
Mastogenius subcyaneus is a species of metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, one of the smallest members of the family in North America. Adults measure approximately 2 mm in length. The genus Mastogenius belongs to the tribe Trachyini, whose larvae exhibit the unusual habit of mining within leaves rather than boring through wood. The species occurs in North America and has been documented in oak woodland habitats.
Megaxyela
Megaxyela is a genus of primitive sawflies in the family Xyelidae, comprising 13 described extant species. The genus has a disjunct distribution spanning the eastern Nearctic and southeastern East Asia, with fossil species known from Colorado and Shandong, China. Members are external feeders on trees in the walnut family (Juglandaceae).
Melanagromyza arnoglossi
Melanagromyza arnoglossi is a species of leaf-miner fly in the family Agromyzidae, described by Eiseman and Lonsdale in 2021. The species belongs to a genus known for larvae that mine plant tissues, particularly in leguminous hosts. As a recently described species, detailed biological information remains limited. The specific epithet references the host plant genus Arnoglossum.
Melanagromyza hieracii
Melanagromyza hieracii is a species of leaf-mining fly in the family Agromyzidae, described by Eiseman & Lonsdale in 2021. The species is part of a genus containing numerous species associated with herbaceous plants, particularly in the Asteraceae family. As a recently described taxon, detailed biological information remains limited. The specific epithet 'hieracii' suggests an association with Hieracium (hawkweeds), a pattern consistent with related species in the genus.
Melanagromyza martini
Melanagromyza martini is a species of leaf-mining fly in the family Agromyzidae, described by Spencer in 1969. The genus Melanagromyza comprises flies whose larvae feed internally within plant tissues, typically creating mines in stems or leaves. No specific host plants or detailed biology have been documented for this particular species.
Metallus
leaf-mining sawflies
Metallus is a genus of leaf-mining sawflies in the family Tenthredinidae. Species are distributed across Europe and North America. The genus is characterized by larvae that create blotch mines on Rubus leaves. Metallus pumilus, the best-documented species, is oligophagous on Rubus species with two generations per year.
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.
Metriocnemus erythranthei
Monkeyflower Non-biting Midge
Metriocnemus erythranthei is a leaf-mining chironomid midge (Diptera: Chironomidae: Orthocladiinae) described in 2023 from herbaceous wetland plants. The larva is a true miner that enters fresh leaves and excavates tunnels, feeding on leaf tissue of monkeyflowers, speedwells, and other herbaceous plants. The species is widespread across North America, with documented collections from the Pacific coast to Pennsylvania. Its vacated mines are subsequently inhabited by Limnophyes viribus, establishing an inquiline relationship.
Microrhopala
Microrhopala is a genus of hispine leaf beetles in the family Chrysomelidae, containing approximately 18 described species in North America. These small beetles are characterized by their clubbed antennae and association with herbaceous vegetation, particularly in prairie and old field habitats. The genus has been subject to taxonomic revision, with species historically placed in the subfamily Hispinae now classified within the more broadly defined Cassidinae. Ecological studies have demonstrated that some species, particularly M. vittata, can function as keystone herbivores capable of dramatically altering plant community structure through outbreaks.
Microrhopala rubrolineata rubrolineata
A subspecies of hispine leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, Microrhopala rubrolineata rubrolineata is found in western North America. The species Microrhopala rubrolineata, along with the eastern M. vittata, belongs to a genus of leaf-feeding beetles that specialize on Asteraceae host plants. Adults and larvae both feed on their host plants, with larvae mining within leaves.
Microrhopala vittata
goldenrod leaf miner, goldenrod leafminer
Microrhopala vittata is a small leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, commonly known as the goldenrod leaf miner. Adults are 5–6 mm in length and exhibit variable coloration from red to black with distinctive lighter vittae (stripes) on the elytra. The species is highly specialized on goldenrods (Solidago spp.) and flat-topped goldenrod (Euthamia graminifolia), with larvae mining between leaf surfaces and adults feeding on upper leaves. Ecological studies have demonstrated its potential as a keystone species in old field communities, where outbreak populations can dramatically reduce tall goldenrod dominance and alter plant community composition for multiple years.
Micrurapteryx occulta
Micrurapteryx occulta is a small leaf-mining moth in the family Gracillariidae. It occurs across northern North America from the Maritime Provinces to Yukon and south to California. The species is highly variable in wing pattern and utilizes multiple legume host plants.
Minotetrastichus
Minotetrastichus is a genus of minute parasitoid wasps in the family Eulophidae. Species are ectoparasitoids of leaf-mining insects, primarily targeting larvae and pupae of Lepidoptera, Coleoptera, and Hymenoptera. The genus was established by Kostjukov in 1977. Detailed biological information exists primarily for Minotetrastichus frontalis, which parasitizes the lime leaf miner Phyllonorycter issikii.
Minotetrastichus frontalis
Minotetrastichus frontalis is a chalcid wasp in the family Eulophidae. It is an ectoparasitoid of leaf-mining moths in the genus Phyllonorycter, with larvae feeding on both larval and pupal stages of the host. The species has four larval instars and completes preimaginal development in 11–14 days.
Mirax
miracine wasps
Mirax is a genus of tiny parasitoid wasps in the subfamily Miracinae (Braconidae). Species are typically 1–2 mm in length and are koinobiont endoparasitoids of leaf-mining caterpillars. The genus has been documented in Australia, Puerto Rico, and other regions, with several species described through citizen science initiatives. Some species, such as Mirax insularis, have been studied for their potential as biological control agents of agricultural pests.
Mompha epilobiella
Common Cosmet
Mompha epilobiella is a small moth in the family Momphidae with a Holarctic distribution. Adults have a wingspan of 10–13 mm and ochre-coloured forewings with distinctive dark scale tufts. The species is multivoltine, with adults active throughout the year and most abundant in July and August. Larvae feed primarily on great willowherb (Epilobium hirsutum), with young stages as leaf miners and older larvae living communally in spun terminal leaves.
Mompha locupletella
Red Cosmet
Mompha locupletella is a small microlepidopteran moth in the family Momphidae. The species is characterized by bright orange forewings with distinctive black, white, and silvery-grey markings. It is widely distributed across the Palearctic, with two generations per year in most of its range. The larvae are leaf-miners specialized on willowherbs (Epilobium species).
Mompha raschkiella
Little Cosmet
Mompha raschkiella is a European micromoth with a wingspan of 7–11 mm. It is distinguished by its leaden metallic head, silvery face, and distinctive forewing pattern featuring orange-yellow spots and leaden-metallic markings. The species has two generations annually, with adults active in May and August. Larvae are leaf miners on rosebay willowherb (Epilobium angustifolium).
Mompha sexstrigella
Mompha sexstrigella is a small moth in the family Momphidae with a Holarctic distribution, occurring across northern Eurasia and western North America. The species is univoltine, with adults active from late June to mid-August. Larvae are leaf miners on fireweed (Chamaenerion angustifolium), feeding from July to August.
Mompha sp. (on Spermacoce)
An undescribed species in the genus Mompha, a family of small moths known for their narrow wings and association with specific host plants. This taxon is recognized from specimens reared or collected on Spermacoce species, a genus of flowering plants in the coffee family (Rubiaceae). As an undescribed species, it lacks formal scientific description and has not been assigned a species epithet. Its existence is documented through association with this particular host plant genus.
Mompha sp. (undescribed, Galium-feeding, midwestern)
An undescribed species in the genus Mompha (family Momphidae) associated with Galium hosts in the midwestern United States. Momphidae are small moths whose larvae typically mine leaves or bore into stems, fruits, or roots of their host plants. This taxon represents a documented but not formally described entity awaiting taxonomic study. Its specific morphological and biological characteristics remain unpublished in scientific literature.
Mompha terminella
Enchanter's Cosmet
Mompha terminella is a small microlepidopteran moth in the family Momphidae, commonly known as Enchanter's Cosmet. It has a trans-Palearctic distribution across Europe and is also present in North America. The species is specialized on enchanter's nightshade (Circaea spp.), with larvae mining leaves of their host plants. Adults are rarely encountered in the field, with most records coming from larval leaf mines.
Mompha undescribed-species-on-epilobium
An undescribed species in the genus Mompha (family Momphidae), recognized by its association with Epilobium host plants. The species has not received formal taxonomic description but has been documented through larval collections and rearing records. It belongs to a genus of small moths commonly known as momphid moths or twirler moths. The specific epithet designation reflects its provisional status pending formal description.
Mompha undescribed-species-on-epilobium-canum
An undescribed species in the genus Mompha (family Momphidae) associated with Epilobium canum (California fuchsia). The species has been documented through larval collections and rearing records but lacks formal taxonomic description. It represents part of the poorly resolved North American Mompha fauna, many species of which are host-specific to Onagraceae.
Mompha undescribed-species-on-galium-eastern
An undescribed species in the genus Mompha (family Momphidae) that has been documented feeding on Galium species in eastern North America. Like other Mompha species, it is a small moth likely associated with specific host plants in the Rubiaceae family. The species remains formally undescribed in scientific literature despite being recognized in field studies and regional biodiversity surveys.
Monochroa robusta
Monochroa robusta is a small gelechiid moth described by Annette Frances Braun in 1921. The species is known from limited records in Ohio and South Carolina, with a wingspan of 11–12 mm. Larvae are leaf miners on Scirpus atrovirens, creating distinctive mines that begin as small transparent blotches and expand toward the leaf tip.
Nealyda kinzelella
Nealyda kinzelella is a minute gelechiid moth described by August Busck in 1900, named in honor of botanist F. Kinzel. The species is known only from Florida and is distinguished by its striking forewing pattern of light brown basal, dark velvety median, and silvery-white apical regions. The larvae are leaf miners on Guapira obtusata, forming distinctive trumpet-shaped blotch mines on the upper leaf surface.
Nemorimyza
Nemorimyza is a genus of leaf-mining flies in the family Agromyzidae, established by Frey in 1946. The genus contains at least three described species distributed across multiple continents. Some species are documented as pests of cultivated plants, particularly within the Asteraceae family. The genus belongs to the subfamily Phytomyzinae, a group characterized by larval feeding habits that create distinctive mines in leaf tissue.
Neochirosia nuda
Neochirosia nuda is a species of dung fly in the family Scathophagidae. Unlike most members of its family, it is not associated with dung but instead has been documented as a leaf miner. The species exhibits a univoltine life cycle, producing one generation per year. It has been recorded from the northeastern United States.
Neocrania
Neocrania is a genus of small moths in the family Eriocraniidae, established by Davis in 1978. The genus is monotypic, containing only Neocrania bifasciata, a species endemic to the Coast Ranges of southern California. Adults are diurnal and active in early June, with a single generation annually. The larvae are leaf miners on Quercus chrysolepis (canyon live oak).