leaf miner

or leafminer

noun

1. any of the larvae of any of numerous insects, as moths of the family Gracilariidae, that live in and feed on the parenchyma of leaves.

leaf miner

noun

1. any of various insect larvae that bore into and feed on leaf tissue, esp the larva of dipterous flies of the genus Philophylla (family Trypetidae ) and the caterpillar of moths of the family Gracillariidae
2. the adult insect of any of these larvae

Word History and Origins

Origin of leaf miner¹

First recorded in 1820–30

Example Sentences

The yellow attracts fungus gnats, aphids, thrips, leaf miners and other harmful pests feeding on your plants.

From Seattle Times

Guglya came around to them and has discovered 25 species in the leaf miner family.

From Science Magazine

Before the year was out, he had recorded 212 leaf miner species, among his various tallies.

From Seattle Times

“That gives the leaf miners opportunity to really whack them good,” he said.

From Washington Times

Though the leaf miner’s range in Europe is extensive, from Spain to Lithuania, many farmers have kept the moth’s numbers under control with an arsenal of specialized tactics.

From New York Times