Maple Leafcutter – Paraclemensia acerifoliella

Maple Leafcutter- Paraclemensia acerifoliella Common Name: Maple Leafcutter Latin Name: Paraclemensia acerifoliella Appearance: The adult Maple Leafcutter is a small, dark gray moth with a 10-12 mm wingspan. The forewings are mottled with light and dark gray, while the hindwings are pale gray. The larvae are tiny, cream-colored caterpillars with brown heads.

• Egg:The eggs are small, round, and white, laid singly on the leaves of host plants.
• Pupae:The pupae are brown and about 5 mm in length. They are formed in a cocoon made of silk and leaf fragments.
• Larva:The larvae are tiny, cream-colored caterpillars with brown heads. They are about 5-7 mm in length when fully grown.
• Adults:The adult Maple Leafcutter is a small, dark gray moth with a 10-12 mm wingspan. The forewings are mottled with light and dark gray, while the hindwings are pale gray.

Host plants: The Maple Leafcutter primarily feeds on maple trees (Acer spp.) but may also feed on other deciduous trees. Territory: The Maple Leafcutter is found throughout much of North America, from eastern Canada to the eastern United States. Damages caused by Maple Leafcutter: The larvae of the Maple Leafcutter feed on the leaves of host plants, creating small, irregular-shaped holes. While the damage may be unsightly, it generally does not cause significant harm to the tree. Life history and Habits: The Maple Leafcutter overwinters as a pupa in a cocoon made of silk and leaf fragments. In the spring, the moths emerge and mate, and the females lay eggs on the leaves of host plants. The larvae hatch and begin to feed, creating small, irregular-shaped holes in the leaves. The entire life cycle can take several months, depending on the climate and the availability of host plants. The Maple Leafcutter is not considered a significant pest, and control measures are generally unnecessary.