Azalea Leaf Miner
Caloptilia azaleella
This record describes Caloptilia azaleella (species). Recorded family: Gracillariidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 10 to11 mm. Another distinctive member of this family with largely dark brown forewings broken only by a yellow band along the costal margin. Leafmine occurs on Rhododendron species http://www.leafmines.co.uk/html/Lepidoptera/C.azaleella2.htm Gardens etc. where the larval food plants are present. The adult moth is attracted to light and occurs in 2-3 generations from May to October. The larvae initially form mines in Azalea leaves, later forming a cone by rolling the leaf downwards from the tip. This moth is an adventive species, probably introduced with azalea and rhododendron plants, that is now spreading locally throughout southern Britain. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as local.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Gracillarioidea
- Family
- Gracillariidae (Leaf Blotch Miner Moths)
- Subfamily
- Gracillariinae
- Genus
- Caloptilia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Gardens etc. where the larval food plants are present.
Seasonal Activity
The adult moth is attracted to light and occurs in 2-3 generations from May to October.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae initially form mines in Azalea leaves, later forming a cone by rolling the leaf downwards from the tip.
Additional species information
Recorded status
This moth is an adventive species, probably introduced with azalea and rhododendron plants, that is now spreading locally throughout southern Britain. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as local.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Caloptilia azaleella. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Lepidoptera includes approximately 180,000 described species of butterflies and moths. Moths outnumber butterflies roughly 10:1. The monarch butterfly's eastern population has declined by more than 80% since the mid-1990s, and the western population by over 95% since the 1980s. The IUCN lists the migratory monarch as Vulnerable.
Ecological role of the group
Butterflies and moths are essential indicators of ecosystem health. As caterpillars, they are a primary food source for birds - a single nest of blue tit chicks requires ~10,000 caterpillars. Adult moths pollinate many night-blooming plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Lepidoptera are critical pollinators. In Europe, grassland butterfly species have declined by almost 50% since the early 1990s. In the UK, three-quarters of butterflies are in decline. In the U.S., five butterfly species have gone extinct since 1950, with 29 listed as endangered.
Recorded sources for this group: IUCN Red List, Xerces Society, USFWS, PNAS, WWF. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Azalea Leaf Miner (4)
Frequently Asked Questions About Azalea Leaf Miner
What is Azalea Leaf Miner?
Azalea Leaf Miner (Caloptilia azaleella) is a species in the family Gracillariidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Azalea Leaf Miner found?
Habitat: Gardens etc. where the larval food plants are present.
When is Azalea Leaf Miner active?
Azalea Leaf Miner: seasonal activity - The adult moth is attracted to light and occurs in 2-3 generations from May to October..
What is the life cycle of a Azalea Leaf Miner?
The larvae initially form mines in Azalea leaves, later forming a cone by rolling the leaf downwards from the tip.