Leafminer (larvae)
Scientific Name: Too many species; refers to the feeding habit of larvae of various insects.
Order & Family: Various orders including Diptera (Agromyzidae, Phytomyzinae), Lepidoptera (Gracillariidae, Lyonetiidae), Coleoptera (Chrysomelidae), Hymenoptera (Tenthredinidae). The damage shown is indicative of leafminer activity, but the specific species cannot be determined definitively from the image.
Size: Larvae vary depending on species, typically 1-10 mm. Adults also vary widely, generally small, 1-5 mm for many common species.
Natural Habitat
The larvae of leafminers are found inside the leaves of various plants, including trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants, in agricultural fields, gardens, forests, and natural landscapes. Adults are typically found on or around host plants.
Diet & Feeding
Leafminers feed on the internal tissues (mesophyll) of plant leaves. The specific plant species they feed on varies greatly depending on the leafminer species; some are generalists, while many are host-specific.
Behavior Patterns
Leafminers typically lay their eggs on the surface or within the leaf tissue. Upon hatching, the larvae burrow into the leaf and feed on the mesophyll layer, creating characteristic tunnels or blotches as they consume tissue between the epidermal layers. The damage becomes more visible as the larvae grow. Different species create different patterns (serpentine, blotch, linear). They usually pupate inside the leaf or drop to the soil.
Risks & Benefits
Risks: Leafminer damage can reduce a plant's photosynthetic capacity, leading to weakened growth, defoliation, and in severe infestations, can stress or kill young plants. In agriculture, they can cause significant crop losses. Benefits: As pests, they can be a food source for natural predators like parasitic wasps, birds, and generalist predators, contributing to the food web. In some ecosystems, they play a minor role in decomposition or nutrient cycling by breaking down plant material.
Identified on: 8/23/2025