Heliozela

Heliozela is a genus of moths belonging to the family Heliozelidae. These moths are commonly known as shield bearers or shield bearer moths. They are small moths, typically with metallic coloration, and are found globally, with a greater diversity in temperate regions.

Characteristics:

• Size: Heliozela moths are small, with wingspans typically less than 10mm.
• Coloration: They often display metallic colors, such as bronze, gold, or silver.
• Larvae: The larvae are leaf miners, creating characteristic blotch mines in the leaves of their host plants. The larva cuts out a shield-like case from its mine, which it then carries with it. This behavior gives the family its common name, "shield bearers."
• Host Plants: Host plant preferences vary by species within the Heliozela genus. Some species are oligophagous, feeding on a restricted range of host plants, while others may be more polyphagous. Common host plants include those in the birch (Betulaceae), oak (Fagaceae) and rose (Rosaceae) families.
• Life Cycle: The life cycle involves egg laying on the host plant, followed by larval mining within the leaf. After larval development, the larva creates and carries its shield, eventually pupating within it.

Taxonomy:

Heliozela is the type genus of the family Heliozelidae. The classification within Heliozelidae is subject to ongoing research, and the number of valid species may fluctuate as taxonomic revisions occur.

Distribution:

Heliozela species are found on multiple continents, exhibiting a global distribution. Their presence is closely linked to the distribution of their host plants.