Tick-trefoil
Guides
Caloptilia violacella
Tick-Trefoil Caloptilia Moth
Caloptilia violacella is a small gracillariid moth with a wingspan of approximately 10 mm. The species is distributed across the eastern and central United States, with records from Illinois, Missouri, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, New York, and Texas. Larvae are leaf miners that feed on leguminous host plants including pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan), tick-trefoils (Desmodium species), and Meibomia dillenii. The common name "Tick-Trefoil Caloptilia Moth" reflects its association with Desmodium host plants.