Citrus leafminer

Phyllocnistis citrella Stainton

(Insecta: Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae)

These minute adult moths are 2.4 mm long with a wing span of 4 mm. Body and feathery hind wings are white. Forewings are covered by silvery, iridescent scales and show several black and tan markings as well as a black spot on each wing tip. The minute larvae (up to 3 mm long) are translucent greenish yellow and are protected within the leaf tissue. Pupae are found within pupal cells at the leaf margin.

The life cycle is completed within 13 to 52 days, in Florida usually within 21 days. Generations are produced year-round. Four larval instars develop within the leaf tissue. Usually one leaf mine is present per leaf, but during heavy infestation, as many as nine mines per leaf have been found.

The citrus leafminer is widely distributed in Asia. It was first detected in Florida in 1993 and since has spread to all citrus growing counties of the state as well as to Alabama, California, Hawaii, Louisiana, Texas, Central America, and northern Mexico.

Phyllocnistis citrella infests leaves of all citrus species (e.g., lime, lemon, orange and tangerine) as well as other species of Rutaceae.

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