ExploreInsects

Madrone Skin Miner

Marmara arbutiella

The Madrone Skin Miner is a tiny insect that loves to live on madrone trees. It makes little tunnels under the tree's skin, which helps the tree stay healthy and strong.

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The Madrone Skin Miner is a tiny, slender micromoth, typically metallic silver or gray with intricate dark brown and black markings, including a distinctive black spot on each forewing. Its small size and elongated, narrow wings help it camouflage against tree bark or leaves.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyGracillariidaeGenusMarmara
Madrone Skin Miner
solitary trait badgecamouflaged trait badgeherbivorous trait badgeforest trait badge
Madrone Skin Miner

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 Β· Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

It's so small, some adult moths can fit on the tip of your pinky finger!

Its babies live inside tree leaves, munching away like secret agents!

The wavy lines you see on Madrone leaves are art made by this tiny miner!

Wow! This tiny moth got its name from its favorite tree, the Madrone!

Special abilities

Ability

Leafy Artwork

Madrone Skin Miner can create winding tunnels inside leaves because its larvae eat plant tissue from within, leaving distinctive silvery trails.

Ability

Bark Camouflage

Madrone Skin Miner has metallic scales and dark markings that help them blend perfectly with tree bark, making them hard for predators to spot.

Ability

Quick Generations

Madrone Skin Miner can quickly reproduce multiple generations in a single year, which helps ensure the survival of its species.

Measurements & details

Wingspan
6-10 mm
Size
3-5 mm
Lifespan
7-10 days
Leg Count
6

Diet & Feeding

These tiny larvae munch on the juicy insides of Madrone tree leaves, creating unique tunnels.

Age differences: Larvae eat plant tissue, while adult moths likely consume minimal or no nectar.

Primary Foods

  • Madrone leaves
  • plant cells

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 Β· Very low

It's best to look at insects from a distance and not touch them.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify Madrone Skin Miner?

The easiest way to identify Madrone Skin Miner is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.

What is Madrone Skin Miner's wingspan?

6-10 mm

How big is Madrone Skin Miner?

3-5 mm

How long does Madrone Skin Miner live?

7-10 days

What does Madrone Skin Miner eat?

These tiny larvae munch on the juicy insides of Madrone tree leaves, creating unique tunnels.

Where is Madrone Skin Miner usually found?

Forests

How does Madrone Skin Miner hunt?

Foraging

How many legs does Madrone Skin Miner have?

6

Snap Map

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Recent Snaps

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Where to spot

East Park place preview
Park0 sightings30 species

Washington, US

East Park

Nature, Wildlife, Hiking, Coastal, Family Friendly, Birdwatching, Marine Life, Photography, Free Admission, Kitsap County

You might spot Horned Nudibranch and Madrone Skin Miner.

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Evergreen Rotary Park place preview
Park13 sightings8 species

Washington, US

Evergreen Rotary Park

Family Friendly, Accessible, Birdwatching, Waterfront, Playground, Picnic, Boating, Community Events, Trails, Wildlife

You might spot American Wigeon and Madrone Skin Miner.

View guide β†’

Holland Creek Park place preview
Park24 sightings7 species

British Columbia, CA

Holland Creek Park

Hiking, Wildlife, Waterfalls, Nature Trails, Dog Friendly, Family Friendly, Temperate Rainforest, British Columbia

You might spot Scotch Broom, Pacific Trillium, and Fringe Cups.

View guide β†’

Jack London State Historic Park place preview
Park39 sightings6 species

California, US

Jack London State Historic Park

History, Literary, Hiking, Nature, Wildlife Viewing, Family Friendly, Historic Landmark, Sonoma Valley

You might spot Pacific Hound's Tongue, Pacific Trillium, and Redwood.

View guide β†’

Bataan Park place preview
Park9 sightings4 species

Washington, US

Bataan Park

Accessible and Family Friendly

You might spot Madrone Skin Miner, Pacific Madrone, and Western Redcedar.

View guide β†’

Francis Point Provincial Park place preview
Park25 sightings4 species

British Columbia, CA

Francis Point Provincial Park

Hiking, Coastal Views, Wildlife Viewing, Photography, Nature Trails, Pacific Madrone, Birdwatching, Day Use

You might spot Pacific Madrone and Shortspur Seablush.

View guide β†’

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