Tentiform leafminers—Phyllonorycter spp.
Adult tentiform leafminers are small, golden brown moths with white bands or spots that give them a silvery
appearance when they fly in sunlight. Their hind wings are gray with long hairs on the margin. At rest,
wings are held like a roof over the body.
Life cycle
Damage
Damage is restricted to foliage. The upper side of the leaf takes on a light, spotted appearance, and
leaves may be puckered. Snakelike mines begin to become evident on the leaf. Severe infestations (twenty
mines per leaf) may cause defoliation.
Solutions
Leafminers are generally not pests in organic apple or pear orchards or where IPM is practiced. Populations
are kept at low levels by several species of parasites. Occasional outbreaks of this insect occur, possibly
the result of the chemical disruption of their parasites. Treatment of backyard trees should not be necessary. | 
Adult
tentiform leafminer
An
advanced leafminer infestation
|
