Gracillariidae
| Vernacular names | |
|---|---|
| • Deutsch: | Miniermotten |
| • English: | gracillariid leafminers |
| • Español: | minadores |
Gracillariidae - (gracillariid leafminers)
The members of this family of leafminers are small to very small moths (wingspan 5-20 mm) which are characterized by long antennae, a well developed proboscis and narrow wings equipped with long fringes. The family has a world-wide distribution and contains about 1000 species. At rest the body of the moths is raised upwards.
The larvae are very flat and mine in leaves, at least during the early life stages. Older larvae might live in rolled-up leaves and scrap the leaf surface. Many species are specialized on certain host plants. Some are serious plant pests.
For beneficial members of this family see Gracillariidae (weed bioagents).
The following genera and individual species are currently entered under Gracillariidae:
