Elophila obliteralis

(Walker, 1859)
Waterlily Leafcutter

Sort #: 1443 | P3 #: 800729 | MPG #: 4755 | PFG Page #: 156
View on BugGuide | View on iNaturalist | BOLD Link

Larval substrate: Aquatic plants incl. Lemna (Duckweed), Potamogeton (Pondweed), Nelumbo lutea (American Lotus), Nymphaea odorata (White Waterlily)
Phenology: Adult: 5/20 to 10/04 (92 records)

Comment: Sexually dimorphic. Males are often mistaken for Elophila tinealis as they are also small and dark. Wingspan: males: 10.5-13mm (FW length 5-6.5mm), females 12.5-17mm (FW length 6-8mm); the males usually have a slightly more distinct pattern than in E. tinealis, with the PM line usually visible towards the dorsum, a fairly distinct bluish-white crescent-shaped reniform and a striped abdomen.

Status in MA (automated assessment): Widespread, very common
Status in N. America: Native
MA Endangered Species Act status: None
First Year Reported: 1937
Last Year Reported: 2023

Distribution by County: Berkshire, Hampshire, Franklin, Worcester, Middlesex, Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk, Bristol, Plymouth, Barnstable, Dukes, Nantucket
Number of Records: 125