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Coptodisca lucifluella

Walnut shield bearer

Description

Coptodisca lucifluella, also known as the walnut shield bearer, is a small leaf-mining moth native to North America, initially detected in Europe in 2010. This species targets trees within the family Juglandaceae, primarily affecting Juglans regia and also Carya cordiformis and Pterocarya fraxinifolia. Adult moths are small, with silvery grey forewings. The larvae create distinctive blotch mines on leaves, positioned close to lateral veins but never crossing them, which can be seen on both sides of the leaf. As larvae mature, they form a protective case by cutting an oval shape from the leaf’s surface to pupate. Coptodisca lucifluella has spread across parts of Europe, including Italy, Hungary, Ukraine, Bulgaria, and Romania, where it infests walnut trees in urban and rural areas, often along roadsides. In Europe, it continues to be of concern due to its impact on both ornamental and naturally growing Juglandaceae species.

Symptom

Infestations present as blotch mines, typically near lateral veins, with dispersed frass visible on both sides of the leaf.

Tree Species: Walnut

Part of a plant- attacked: Leaf / Needle

Pest significance: Less harmful

Pest Category: Insects

Invasive Species: Yes

Present in EU: Yes