Shield-bearing Moths

The Heliozelidae, commonly known as shield-bearer moths, are a family of small, day flying monotrysian moths distributed worldwide. The larvae of most heliozelid species are leaf miners who cut distinctive shield-shaped cases from the surface of the host leaf, hence the common name. Some species are considered pests of commercial crops such as grapevines, cranberries, and walnuts. The taxonomy of this family is poorly understood.