From Mecosta and Osceola-Lake Conservation Districts:
Leaf miners are among the more interesting insects found in our forests. Leaf miners feed between the upper and lower layers of a leaf surface. As a result of this activity, they leave behind these serpentine mines with a silvery hue. Many times, natural resource experts can identify the pest without even seeing it. The attached photo shot is that of the aspen leaf miner. The adult of this species becomes a tiny moth with a wingspan of about 1/4 inch. Mining of leaf tissue causes the leaves to dry out and turn brown, which can lead to premature leaf drop in severe infestations. Control of the pest is usually handled by natural enemies. From the forest, that is your Wednesday Woods n Wildlife fun fact for the week.
Original source can be found here.
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