Wingspan 13–15 mm. Ground colour white mixed with grey/brown. The basal patch having the outer edge angulated, median fascia poorly defined showing grey/brown markings, a weak apical spot in subterminal fascia. There are long black dashes in the ocellus.

See also bladmineerders.be

Initially, the young larva makes a short, lower or upper surface corridor that lies against the midrib, and often follows a lateral vein for a short distance. The mine continues in a tube of silk covered with a lot of frass on the underside of the leaf, from which the larva carries out lower-sided window feeding. The larva then overwinters, and in spring feeds internally on leaf buds. Inhabited buds are recognizable by small brown droppings protruding slightly curved from the bud
The larva hibernates. Pupation in a flimsy cocoon in the soil or in moss at the foot of the trunks.
The adults are active towards sunset and come to light.

The larva lives on Populus nigra, Populus nigra var. italica, Populus alba, Populus x canadensis and Populus balsamifera.

It occurs in gardens, parks, open woodland, meadows where poplars grow.