The caterpillar of this small moth begins feeding on the underside of a maple leaf near the junction of two major veins. It skeletonizes the leaf and spins a silk canopy over the feeding site (Fig. 39). Each caterpillar uses silk and feces to construct an elongated, often curved tubular shelter in which it lives (Fig. 40). As the caterpillar grows, the tube is enlarged. Frequently it takes on the appearance of a horn or trumpet. Eventually, the silk canopy draws the margins of the leaf together around the tube, and the leaf appears crumpled (Fig. 41). The distorted leaf with conspicuous brown, skeletonized areas on its upper surface is readily apparent in late summer and early fall.