PEST
 
   NAME
     Azalea Leafminer
     Caloptilla Azaleella
 
   ORDER
     Lepidoptera
 
   FAMILY
     Gracillariidae

Description of the Pest
This small moth is yellow with purple markings on the wings that are up to 13 mm wide. 
The tiny larvae feed with chewing mouth parts between the upper and lower surfaces of the leaves and may grow to 12mm long. 

Life Cycle
This insect has a Holometabolous life cycle, i.e. it has a larval and a pupal stage. Eggs are laid on the underside of leaves.

Distribution of the Pest
This insect pest is widely distributed throughout eastern Australia and New Zealand 
	
Period of Activity

The larvae start feeding in Spring. Under green house conditions the larvae may be found at anytime during the year.

Damage Caused
 The larva initially form white tunnels on the underside of the leaves, which become broader and darker, finally appearing as a angular brown patches bounded by veins. The foliage is permanently scarred and discoloured by the action of this pest.
When the larvae are about one third of their final size they leave the inside of the leaf and curl back the leaf tips which they bind with silk, to create a shelter, in which they continue to feed and eventually pupate.

 Typical leaf damage

Susceptible Plants
Rhododendron and Azalea species and cultivars.

Control

Cultural Control
Hand remove affected leaves or squash the (leaf) and therefore the insects while they are inside their tunnel

Biological Control
Many leaf miners are attacked by parasitic wasps, but may not be commercially available

Chemical Control
Small plants may be sprayed with an systemic insecticide on the new growth.
Note
It is your responsibility by law to read & follow the directions on the label of any pesticide.
Amendments by B. Sonsie Dip Hort Sc Burnley