Caloptilia azaleella
(Brants, 1913)
Azalea Leafminer
Sort #: 240 | P #: 330158 | MPG #: 592
View on BugGuide | View on iNaturalist | BOLD Link
Larval feeding type: Initially a leaf-miner, then feeds within a leaf-roll in the shape of a cone.
Larval substrate: Rhododendron spp.* (Azalea)
Phenology: Adult: 5/15 to 11/01 (70 records)
Comment: Apparently does not feed on native Rhododendrons, only cultivated azaleas
Status in MA (automated assessment): Fairly widespread, common
Status in N. America: Introduced
MA Endangered Species Act status: None
First Year Reported: 1934
Last Year Reported: 2026
Distribution by County: Hampshire, Franklin, Middlesex, Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk, Bristol, Barnstable
Number of Records: 77
-

Adult reared from larva in leaf-roll on Rhododendron (Photo: ©S. Whitebread) -

Rhododendron sp. (cultivated) with several mines and leaf rolls and cones (Photo: ©S. Whitebread) -

Larva in opened leaf cone on Rhododendron (Photo: ©S. Whitebread) -

Probably fully-grown larva on Rhododendron (Photo: ©S. Whitebread) -

Rhododendron leaf with early mine and leaf cone, from above (Photo: ©S. Whitebread) -

Rhododendron leaf with early mine and leaf cone, from below (Photo: ©S. Whitebread)
