CLM is a serious threat to Florida citrus. It has not previously been reported mining fruit rinds, but several cases have been observed in Florida. The hind wings and body are white, with long fringe scales extending from the hindwing margins. The head is very smooth-scaled and white and the haustellum has no basal scales. The pupa characteristically is in a pupal cell at the leaf margin.
Adults generally are too minute to be easily noticed, and are active diurnally and evenings.
The Australian introduction occurred before 1940, and has since 1969 been reported from northern Queensland. Since May 1993, CLM has spread to all Florida citrus counties, with isolated sites as far north as Pensacola, plus Alabama, Louisiana, and southern Texas. Florida records include various Citrus spp. Eggs of CLM are laid singly on the underside of host leaves. Egg eclosion occurs within 2-10 days, whereupon larvae immediately enter the leaf and begin feeding.