84
$\begingroup$

This cool design was "tattooed" on this leaf.

I found it on the windshield of my car.

What's up with it?enter image description here

Improve this question
$\endgroup$
0

2 Answers 2

Reset to default
81
$\begingroup$

That is the work of a leaf miner. A leaf miner is the larval stage of an insect that feeds on the inside layer of leaves. Notice how the galleries (tunnels) start small and then get larger as the larva matures? Most leaf miners are moth larvae (Lepidoptera) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leaf_miner

Improve this answer
$\endgroup$
2
  • 12
    $\begingroup$ I love this caption from the wiki page photo: "Leaf with minor miner damage". $\endgroup$
    – MKHC
    Jun 4, 2019 at 9:21
  • 19
    $\begingroup$ @pyro Since the miner isn't an adult, you could even describe it as minor miner minor damage! $\endgroup$
    – David Richerby
    Jun 4, 2019 at 16:10
20
$\begingroup$

This leafminer is a moth in the genus Phyllocnistis (Gracillariidae). If you knew what plant the leaf came from, the moth could probably be identified to species. The marginal leaf fold at lower right is where the mature larva has spun its cocoon.

Incidentally, I'm just finishing a complete guide to the known leafminers of North America. There are many species left to be discovered though!

Improve this answer
$\endgroup$

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.