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

Its most deadly enemy in the insect world is a small insect of the lepidopterous variety, which is known as the coffee-leaf miner.

From Project Gutenberg

These so-called "leaf-miner" caterpillars make white irregularly-winding tunnels between the upper and the lower skin of the leaf.

From Project Gutenberg

The cabbage leaf miner is not a native of this country, but was imported from Europe.

From Project Gutenberg

Bud caterpillars, the leaf-miner or split-worm and the Tobacco flea beetle are minute beetles which attack it.

From Project Gutenberg

The locust has also been attacked by the twig borer, bag worm and the leaf miner.

From Project Gutenberg