About Leaf Miners

Leaf miner caterpillars form tunnels and cavities in the spongy layer between the upper and lower surfaces of leaves. They live and feed inside these cavities. Later some species may cut and roll the leaf as shelter in which they feed and pupate. The adult moths are slender and small in size. Their antennae are as long as, or longer than, their forewings. Their wings are narrow, with long hair along the hind wing margins. When at rest, the moths can be distinguished by their habit of sitting up on their front legs.

Trail on Breynia leaf.  Photo: Robert Whyte