Caloptilia populetorum (commonly known as clouded slender) is a moth of the family Gracillariidae. It is found in most of Europe, except Italy, the Balkan Peninsula and the Mediterranean islands.
The wingspan is . The forewings are whitish ochreous, irregularly tinged and clouded with fuscous; margins dotted with black; a small black spot on middle of costa blackish dots on fold at 1/3 and 2/3. Hindwings are dark grey. The larva is green-whitish; head very pale brownish.Meyrick, E., 1895 A Handbook of British Lepidoptera MacMillan, London pdf Keys and descriptionKuznetsov V.I., 1990 Gracillariidae; in G.S. Medvedev (ed.): Keys to the insects of the europaean part of the USSR, Vol.IV: Lepidoptera, part 2 (english translation), Oxonian Press Pvt.Ltd., New Dehli, 1987Heath, J. & Emmet, A. M. (Hrsg.) (1985): The Moths and Butterflies of Great Britain and Ireland. Volume 2: Cossidae – Heliodinidae. Harley Books, Colchester, Essex.
Adults are on wing from August onwards, overwintering after which they may be seen until April or May.
Although the scientific name populetorum might suggest the larvae feed on poplar, they only feed on the leaves of Betula species, including Betula pendula and Betula pubescens. Initially they feed in a gallery and later they roll a leaf and feed within.
References
External links Lepiforum de Leafminers and plant galls of Europe UK Moths