Madrone Leafminer
2 host plants
You will observe thin, winding serpentine trails on Pacific madrone leaves created by moth larvae tunneling within the leaf tissue. Damage appears unsightly on individual leaves but does not impact long-term tree health. Multiple leafminer species attack madrone in the Pacific Northwest, producing these characteristic blotch and linear mines. Damage is most evident in midsummer as miners mature.
No treatment is necessary for cosmetic leaf damage. Trees tolerate mining without health decline. If appearance is a concern, remove heavily infested leaves by hand during peak season. Madrone leafminer is a natural part of the ecosystem. Conserve parasitic wasps by avoiding insecticide applications.