Show all photos in album Insert for comparison We will identify your pest Add pictures of this species

Phyllocnistis labyrinthella

Leafminer Phyllocnistis labyrinthella

Description

Phyllocnistis labyrinthella is a small moth from the family Gracillariidae with a wingspan of 6–7 mm. This species is found widely across continental Europe, except in the British Isles, Italy, the Mediterranean Islands, and parts of the Balkan Peninsula. It primarily inhabits Populus species, particularly Populus alba (white poplar) and Populus tremula (aspen). The larvae of Phyllocnistis labyrinthella feed by mining the leaves of these trees, creating intricate, labyrinth-like patterns on the leaf surface. Mines creates on both sides of the leaf, forming wide, twisting tunnels with a continuous dark, pronounced central line of frass. Pupation occurs at the leaf edge, where the mine slightly widens, and the leaf margin folds over.

Symptom

Leaves show wide, winding mines with dark central frass lines, primarily affecting Populus alba and Populus tremula leaves.

Identification of feeding patterns caused by Phyllocnistis unipunctella, Phyllocnistis xenia, and Phyllocnistis labyrinthella can be performed by examining the shape of the mines, their location on the leaf, and the host plants:

Phyllocnistis unipunctella (syn. Phyllocnistis suffusella):

Host Trees: Exclusively poplars, especially Populus balsamifera, Populus × canadensis, Populus nigra, and various other poplar species.
Mine Location: Prefers the upper leaf surface but may also appear on the underside.
Mine Characteristics: Creates long, winding mines resembling a "snail's trail." Frass is located in a central line, and a slightly expanded area appears at the end of the mine where pupation occurs. The leaf edge may curl slightly.

Phyllocnistis xenia:

Host Trees: Prefers Populus alba (white poplar) and Populus tremula. Does not occur on other poplar species.
Mine Location: Almost always on the underside of the leaf.
Mine Characteristics: Mines are long and narrow, with a slightly less winding shape than P. unipunctella. They are also narrower. Frass is located in the center of the mine but is less prominent. The leaf edge may curl slightly.

Phyllocnistis labyrinthella:

Host Trees: Prefers Populus alba (white poplar) and Populus tremula. Does not occur on other poplar species.
Mine Location: Mines form on both sides of the leaf.
Mine Characteristics: Feeding pattern is highly winding, often appearing labyrinth-like, and is broader than mines of other Phyllocnistis species. Frass is centrally located and very prominent. The leaf edge may curl slightly.

Tree Species: Poplar

Part of a plant- attacked: Leaf / Needle

Pest significance: Less harmful

Pest Category: Insects

Invasive Species: No

Present in EU: Yes