Micrurapteryx salicifoliella
(Chambers, 1872)
Willow Leafblotch Miner
Sort #: 240 | P3 #: 330172 | MPG #: 647 | PFG Page #: 36
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Larval feeding type: Upperside leaf-miner, pupates outside the mine in a silken cocoon
Larval substrate: Salix sp., narrow-leaved* ('narrow-leaved willow'), Salix sp., broad-leaved* ('broad-leaved willow'), Salix sericea* (Silky Willow), Salix discolor* (Pussy Willow), Populus (Poplar)
Phenology: Adult: 5/24 to 10/24 (3 records)
Comment: Adults of the second, more common, generation emerge end of September to mid-November, so presumably overwinter. Larval mines of the first generation can be found in June/July. Adults are almost impossible to distinguish from M. occulta.
Status in MA (automated assessment): Fairly widespread, uncommon
Status in N. America: Native
MA Endangered Species Act status: None
First Year Reported: 2004
Last Year Reported: 2022
Distribution by County: Berkshire, Worcester, Middlesex, Essex, Suffolk, Plymouth
Number of Records: 13
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Adult reared from larva mining Salix sp. (Photo: ©S. Whitebread) -
Younger larval mine on Salix sp. (Photo: ©S. Whitebread) -
Younger larval mine on Salix sp.; underside, showing ejected frass (Photo: ©S. Whitebread) -
Larval mine on Salix sp. (Photo: ©S. Whitebread) -
Larval mine on Salix sp. under transmitted light, showing the larva (Photo: ©S. Whitebread) -
Larva preparing pupal shelter (Photo: ©S. Whitebread) -
Pupa under thin silken shelter on underside of a Salix sp. The moth emerged 4 days later (Photo: ©S. Whitebread)