Aspen (Populus tremuloides)-Aspen leaf blotch miner

Phyllonorycter apparella

Pest description and damage Adults of this insect are tiny moths with about a 0.2-inch wingspan. Early instar larvae are flat and mine within leaves of the host. The larvae produce blotched mines, which may be more visible on one side of the leaf. Miners spin silk across the leaf surface, which dries and shrinks to create a ridge over the mine. The larvae feed initially on sap, and then feed on tissue inside the leaves during summer. There may be more than one generation per year.

Management-cultural control

Pick off infested leaves when practical on smaller plants. Aspen and cottonwood trees are very susceptible. Plant resistant tree varieties in areas where serious blotch miner infestations exist.

Management-chemical control

See Table 3 in:

For more information

See "Leafminer" in: