Leaf-miner
Guides
Nepticuloidea
Pygmy Leafminer Moths
Nepticuloidea is a superfamily of minute monotrysian Lepidoptera comprising two families: Nepticulidae (pygmy moths) and Opostegidae (white eyecap moths). Members are among the smallest moths worldwide, with wingspans of only a few millimetres. The superfamily is characterized by prominent eyecaps covering the compound eyes. Molecular phylogenetic studies indicate the group originated in the early Cretaceous, approximately 100 million years ago, coinciding with angiosperm diversification.
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.
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.
Octotoma championi
lantana leafminer, lantana leaf beetle
Octotoma championi is a leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, commonly known as the lantana leafminer or lantana leaf beetle. Native to Central and North America, it has been introduced to Australia, Fiji, Hawaii, and South Africa as a biological control agent for the invasive weed Lantana camara. The species has a leaf-mining larval phase and free-living, leaf-chewing adults. Research indicates its development and consumption rates are sensitive to elevated CO2 and temperature conditions.
Octotoma plicatula
Trumpet Creeper Leafminer, Trumpet Creeper Leaf Miner
Octotoma plicatula is a leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. The common name 'Trumpet Creeper Leafminer' reflects its association with Campsis radicans, the trumpet creeper vine. The species is widespread in eastern and central North America.
Odontopus
Odontopus is a genus of weevils (family Curculionidae) established by Say in 1832. The genus contains species associated with leaf-mining habits on host plants, with documented associations to Annona species (Annonaceae) and Pterygota alata. Species within this genus exhibit endophytic oviposition and larval development within leaf tissue. The genus has been reported from Brazil and India, though taxonomic records contain conflicting information about its composition and validity.
Odontopus calceatus
Yellow Poplar Weevil, Sassafras Mining Weevil, Tuliptree Leafminer, Tulip Tree Weevil, Magnolia Leaf Miner
A small weevil in the family Curculionidae, known for feeding on and mining the leaves of tulip tree (Liriodendron tulipifera), sassafras (Sassafras albidum), and magnolia species. Adults are most visible in spring when they emerge to feed on host foliage, causing distinctive notching damage along leaf edges. The species is widespread in eastern North America and occasionally reaches outbreak densities that cause noticeable defoliation.
Odontota
locust leaf miners
Odontota is a genus of leaf beetles in the family Chrysomelidae, comprising approximately eight to nine described species. The genus includes notable agricultural and forestry pests, particularly species that mine leaves of leguminous trees. The most well-known species, Odontota dorsalis (locust leaf miner), feeds on black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) and related species, causing distinctive "scorched" foliage damage. Several species have been documented with specialized behaviors including extended copulation and post-copulatory mate guarding.
Odontota dorsalis
locust leaf miner, locust leafminer
Odontota dorsalis, commonly known as the locust leaf miner, is a leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It is native to North America and feeds primarily on black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) and related species in the Fabaceae family. The beetle is known for producing distinctive 'scorched' damage on host trees, caused by both adult skeletonization and larval leaf mining. Two generations occur annually in most of its range.
Odontota scapularis
orange-shouldered leaf miner, orange-shouldered leafminer
Odontota scapularis, commonly known as the orange-shouldered leaf miner, is a leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. The species is found across eastern and central North America, with records from Canada (Ontario) and numerous U.S. states. Larvae mine within leaves while adults feed externally on foliage. The species has been documented feeding on Apios americana (groundnut), a leguminous vine.
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.
Oneida lunulalis
Oak Gall Snout Moth, Orange-tufted Oneida Moth
Oneida lunulalis is a small snout moth in the family Pyralidae, subfamily Epipaschiinae. It occurs across eastern North America from Canada to Florida. The larvae are associated with oak foliage and galls. Adults are known by two common names: "oak gall snout moth" and "orange-tufted Oneida moth."
Ophiomyia
Ophiomyia is a genus of leaf-mining flies in the family Agromyzidae, established by Brazhnikov in 1897. The genus contains over 200 described species distributed worldwide, with particularly significant agricultural impact in tropical and subtropical regions. Several species, notably O. phaseoli, O. spencerella, and O. centrosematis, are major pests of leguminous crops, with larvae feeding internally in stems and leaves. The genus exhibits diverse host associations across multiple plant families, though many species show specialization on particular host genera.
Ophiomyia abutilivora
Ophiomyia abutilivora is a species of leaf-mining fly in the family Agromyzidae, described by Spencer in 1986. The species epithet 'abutilivora' indicates a larval association with plants in the genus Abutilon (Malvaceae). Like other members of Ophiomyia, the larvae likely form internal mines in host plant stems or leaves. The genus is characterized by reduced wing venation and distinctive larval feeding habits.
Ophiomyia antennariae
Ophiomyia antennariae is a recently described species of leaf-mining fly in the family Agromyzidae, described by Eiseman and Lonsdale in 2019. The species is named for its association with host plants in the genus Antennaria (pussytoes), indicating a specialized herbivorous relationship. As a member of the genus Ophiomyia, it likely produces serpentine or blotch mines in leaves, though specific mine morphology has not been formally documented in the original description. The species represents part of the diverse radiation of agromyzid flies that specialize on Asteraceae host plants.
Ophiomyia asterovora-like
Ophiomyia asterovora-like refers to a morphologically similar species or species complex within the genus Ophiomyia, a group of minute leaf-mining flies (Diptera: Agromyzidae). These flies are characterized by reduced wing venation and larvae that create serpentine or blotch mines in Asteraceae host plants. The "asterovora-like" designation indicates taxonomic uncertainty, likely reflecting specimens that match O. asterovora in general appearance but may represent distinct, undescribed, or cryptic species. Members of this group are small, dark flies with distinctive male genitalia that require microscopic examination for definitive identification.
Ophiomyia atriplicis
Ophiomyia atriplicis is a leaf-mining fly in the family Agromyzidae, described by Spencer in 1984. As a member of the genus Ophiomyia, it likely produces internal stem or leaf mines on host plants. The specific epithet 'atriplicis' indicates an association with Atriplex (saltbush), though direct host records require verification. It is a poorly documented species with limited published biological data.
Ophiomyia beckeri
Ophiomyia beckeri is a species of leaf-mining fly in the family Agromyzidae, described by Hendel in 1923. The genus Ophiomyia is characterized by species that create internal mines in plant tissues, typically in stems or leaves. This species has been recorded from parts of Europe including Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, as well as Madeira Island. The 26 iNaturalist observations suggest it is documented but not frequently encountered.
Ophiomyia camarae
Herring-bone Leafminer, Herringbone Leaf-miner
Ophiomyia camarae is a small leaf-mining fly (1.5–2 mm) native to the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America, and Florida. It has been introduced to multiple countries outside the Americas as a biological control agent for the invasive weed Lantana camara. The species exhibits strong host specificity, with larvae mining the leaves of Lantana species. Adults are distinguished by their shiny black bodies and red compound eyes.
Ophiomyia carolinensis
Ophiomyia carolinensis is a species of leaf-mining fly in the family Agromyzidae, described by Spencer in 1986. As a member of this family, it likely produces characteristic serpentine or blotch mines in host plant leaves during larval development. The species name suggests an association with the Carolinas region of the United States.
Ophiomyia chondrillae
Ophiomyia chondrillae is a species of leaf-mining fly in the family Agromyzidae, described by Spencer in 1986. The species is known as a specialized herbivore of Chondrilla juncea (rush skeletonweed), a perennial weed of Eurasian origin that has become invasive in North America and Australia. It has been investigated as a potential biological control agent for this weed. The specific epithet reflects this host association.
Ophiomyia congregata
Ophiomyia congregata is a species of leaf-miner fly in the family Agromyzidae. The species was described by Malloch in 1913. As a member of the genus Ophiomyia, it is likely associated with stem or root mining in plants, though specific host associations and biological details for this particular species remain poorly documented in available literature.
Ophiomyia euthamiae
Ophiomyia euthamiae is a recently described species of leaf-mining fly in the family Agromyzidae, first described by Eiseman and Lonsdale in 2018. The species is known from very few observations and appears to be associated with Euthamia host plants. As with other members of the genus Ophiomyia, this species likely produces internal feeding mines within host plant tissues.
Ophiomyia galiodes
Ophiomyia galiodes is a species of leaf-mining fly described in 2021. It belongs to the family Agromyzidae, a large group of small flies whose larvae feed internally in plant tissues. The species epithet "galiodes" refers to its association with Galium species (bedstraws). As a recently described species, detailed biological information remains limited.
Ophiomyia kwansonis
Daylily Leafminer
Ophiomyia kwansonis is a leaf-miner fly in the family Agromyzidae. It is known as the Daylily Leafminer based on its documented association with Hemerocallis species. The species was described by Sasakawa in 1961 and has been recorded across eastern North America, parts of Asia, and Europe.
Ophiomyia maura
Ophiomyia maura is a leaf-mining fly in the family Agromyzidae. The species creates distinctive linear white mines on the upper leaf surfaces of host plants in the genus Aster. Larvae feed selectively on palisade parenchyma tissues, exhibiting complex mining patterns that serve defensive functions against parasitoids. The species has been documented from Japan, Alaska, and Manitoba, with European records from Denmark, Norway, and Sweden.
Ophiomyia nabali
Ophiomyia nabali is a species of leaf-mining fly in the family Agromyzidae, described in 2021 by Eiseman and Lonsdale. The genus Ophiomyia is characterized by species that produce linear or serpentine leaf mines, typically on monocotyledonous plants. This species was established relatively recently and appears to remain poorly documented in public sources.
Ophiomyia new-species-on-pyrrhopappus
Ophiomyia new-species-on-pyrrhopappus is an undescribed species of agromyzid fly in the genus Ophiomyia. It is associated with Pyrrhopappus, a genus of plants in the Asteraceae family. As a newly recognized taxon, formal description and characterization remain pending. The species exemplifies ongoing discovery of specialized herbivorous insects associated with particular host plants.
Ophiomyia osmorhizae
Ophiomyia osmorhizae is a recently described species of leaf-mining fly in the family Agromyzidae, first characterized in 2019. The species name references its association with plants in the genus Osmorhiza. As a member of the genus Ophiomyia, it likely produces linear or serpentine leaf mines in host plant foliage. The species is known from a limited number of observations, reflecting both its recent description and specialized host relationship.
Ophiomyia quinta
Ophiomyia quinta is a species of leaf-miner fly in the family Agromyzidae, first described by Spencer in 1969. The genus Ophiomyia comprises small flies whose larvae create distinctive mines within plant tissue. Members of this genus are characterized by reduced wing venation and specific larval feeding habits. O. quinta is one of numerous species in a genus that has been documented across multiple continents.
Ophiomyia tiliae
Ophiomyia tiliae is a leaf-mining fly in the family Agromyzidae, first described from Vermont, USA in 1908. As a member of the genus Ophiomyia, it likely produces linear or serpentine mines in host plant leaves, though specific documentation for this species is sparse. The species epithet "tiliae" suggests an association with Tilia (linden or basswood) as host plant. It is known from limited records in the northeastern United States.
Ophiomyia vockerothi
A small leaf-mining fly in the family Agromyzidae, described by Spencer in 1986. Like other members of Ophiomyia, the larvae likely feed internally within plant tissues, creating distinctive mines. The species is named in honor of Canadian entomologist John R. Vockeroth.
Ophiomyiinae
Ophiomyiinae is a subfamily of small flies within the family Agromyzidae, commonly known as leaf-miner flies. Members of this subfamily are characterized by their highly specialized association with monocotyledonous plants, particularly grasses and sedges. The group includes economically significant pests of cereal crops and pasture grasses. Larval development occurs within plant tissues, creating distinctive feeding damage.
Orchestes
flea weevils
Orchestes is a genus of flea weevils (Curculionidae) comprising six species in North America and additional species in Eurasia. Members are small beetles (2–4 mm) associated with woody host plants, particularly trees in Ulmaceae and Fagaceae. The genus was historically confused with Rhynchaenus, from which it has been redefined. Several species are significant pests: O. steppensis is a destructive invasive of elms in China and North America, O. alni (European elm flea weevil) damages elms in Europe and North America, and O. fagi attacks beech trees. Larval habits vary—most are leaf miners, though O. hustachei uniquely parasitizes aphid galls.
Orchestes fagi
Beech leaf-mining weevil, beech leaf-miner beetle
Orchestes fagi is a small weevil species native to Europe that has become invasive in North America, where it attacks American beech (Fagus grandifolia). The larvae mine the leaves of beech trees, while adults undergo an extended diapause of eight to nine months, overwintering on tree boles. The species has spread through eastern Nova Scotia, Canada, with human-assisted transport via firewood and timber implicated in its range expansion.
Orchestes steppensis
European Elm Flea Weevil, Elm Flea Weevil
Orchestes steppensis is a small flea-weevil (2.6–3.2 mm) native to the Eastern Palaearctic Steppe region and now invasive in North America. It is a serious pest of elm trees (Ulmus spp.), with adults feeding on leaves and larvae mining leaf tissue. The species was previously misidentified as O. alni or O. mutabilis in China. It completes one generation per year in Xinjiang, China, with overwintering adults emerging in late March to early April. The species exhibits strong olfactory-mediated host location, with documented preferences for specific plant volatiles.
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.
Oulema palustris
Marsh Cereal Leaf Beetle
Oulema palustris is a North American leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. The species is a specialist herbivore associated with thistles, with larvae functioning as leaf miners and adults feeding externally on foliage. The specific epithet 'palustris' refers to marshy habitats, though the species' exact habitat preferences require further documentation.
Pachyschelus
Pachyschelus is a genus of metallic wood-boring beetles in the family Buprestidae, containing at least 270 described species. Members are small, flattened leaf-miners distinguished from other buprestids by their highly derived morphology: compact, wedge-shaped bodies adapted for living between leaf surfaces rather than boring through wood. The genus belongs to the tribe Trachyini, whose larvae mine leaves of herbaceous plants rather than stems or trunks. Species occur primarily in the Neotropics, with some extending into North America.
Pachyschelus fisheri
Pachyschelus fisheri is a species of metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae. It was described by Vogt in 1949. The species belongs to the tribe Trachyini, a group characterized by flattened, compact body forms and leaf-mining larval habits. Like other members of its genus, it is likely associated with herbaceous host plants. It is found in North America.
Pachyschelus laevigatus
Desmodium Leaf-mining Beetle
Pachyschelus laevigatus is a small metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae. It is found in North America and is associated with Desmodium species, where adults feed on foliage and larvae are leaf miners. The species was first described by Thomas Say in 1833.
Pachyschelus nicolayi
Pachyschelus nicolayi is a small metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, tribe Trachyini. The species is characterized by its blue coloration without pubescent spotting, distinguishing it from the similar P. purpureus. It is known to breed in Apios americana (groundnut) and Wisteria frutescens (American wisteria), with adults active later in the season than the related P. purpureus. The species has been recorded from North America, though its distribution appears to be less well documented than some congeners.
Pachyschelus purpureus
Pachyschelus purpureus is a small metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, tribe Trachyini. Adults are active in early spring and are associated with wild geranium (Geranium maculatum). The species is part of a distinctive group of leaf-mining buprestids with flattened, compact body forms adapted for larval development in leaf tissue rather than wood.
Pachyschelus purpureus uvaldei
Pachyschelus purpureus uvaldei is a subspecies of jewel beetle (family Buprestidae) described by Knull in 1941. Originally described as a distinct species (Pachyschelus uvaldei), it is now treated as a subspecies of the widespread P. purpureus. Adults are active in early spring and have been recorded feeding on wild geranium (Geranium maculatum). Like other members of the tribe Trachyini, larvae are leaf miners. The subspecies occurs in North America, with the type locality at Uvalde, Texas.
Pachyschelus schwarzi
Pachyschelus schwarzi is a species of metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae. It belongs to the tribe Trachyini, a group characterized by small, flattened, wedge-shaped adults with larvae that mine within leaves rather than boring through wood. The species is found in North America. Like other members of its genus, it is likely associated with herbaceous host plants, though specific details remain poorly documented.
Pallopteridae
flutter-wing flies, trembling-wing flies, waving-wing flies
Pallopteridae is a small family of acalyptrate flies comprising approximately 70 species across 15 genera, distributed primarily in temperate regions of both Northern and Southern Hemispheres. Adults are recognized by their characteristic wing vibration behavior, which produces the common names flutter-wing, trembling-wing, or waving-wing flies. The family exhibits diverse larval feeding strategies including saprophagy, phytophagy, and occasional zoophagy, with larvae developing in flowerheads, stems, and other plant tissues.
Paraclemensia
maple leafcutter moths
Paraclemensia is a genus of primitive moths in the family Incurvariidae. Larvae are leaf miners that later construct portable cases from cut leaf pieces, earning the common name 'leafcutter' for at least one species. The genus includes species associated with maple (Acer) and, in at least one documented case, with Rosaceae hosts. Most detailed biological information comes from studies of P. acerifoliella, the maple leafcutter.
Paraclemensia acerifoliella
Maple Leafcutter Moth
Paraclemensia acerifoliella is a small moth in the family Incurvariidae, known as the maple leafcutter moth. It is native to North America with a range spanning southeastern Canada, the northeastern United States, and south along the Appalachians to western North Carolina. The species has one generation per year, with adults active in spring. Larvae are leaf miners that later construct portable cases from cut leaf pieces.