Citrus Leafminer Lifecycle

Figures 1 and 2. Citrus Leafminer larva (http://kcc-weslaco.tamu.edu/oldwww/webpages/leafminer.htm)

The Citrus Leafminer lifecycle consists of four primary stages; egg, larva, pupa, and adult moth. The adult moth has a very short lifespan of just two weeks, being most active in the mornings and spending most of its time on the underside of leaves. Soon after emerging from the pupal case, the adult female moth gives off sex pheromones to attract males. After fertilization, the female moth lays its eggs on the underside of new leaves. The newly emerged flush growth is the preferred egg-laying site. After being laid, eggs often hatch one week later and the larvae immediately begin feeding on the inside of the leaves, creating tiny mines. As the larvae grow, the mines become bigger and bigger, creating a more visible mine. The larvae will molt 4 times during a 3 week period. The larvae will come out from the mine as a prepupa rolling over the edge of the leaf to form a type of dwelling. During its time in the dwelling, the leafminer will become a pupa lasting for up to 3 weeks. The citrus leafminer lifecycle lasts approximately 7 weeks and develops best at temperatures of 70 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit but will adapt to most California climates.