Caloptilia populetorum (Zeller, 1839) Species
Last modified: Dec. 14, 2024, 11:32 a.m.
First observed in Belgium in 1995 in AN, a second observation in 2004 also in AN, since then recorded more frequently but this species remains rare in Belgium.
Details
- Classification
- Family: Gracillariidae > Subfamily: Gracillariinae > Tribus: Gracillariini > Genus: Caloptilia > Species: Caloptilia populetorum
- Vernacular names
- Witteberkensteltmot (NL), Clouded slender (EN), Weiße Birken-Miniermotte (DE)
- First mention in Belgium
- Steeman C. & De Prins J. 2005. Caloptilia populetorum, nieuw voor de Belgische fauna (Lepidoptera, Gracillariidae). — Phegea 33(1): 33–35. On page 33. view page
- Status
-
Native
Distribution
Imago
Ground colour greyish ochreous, a triangular blotch at the middle of the costa of the same colour as the ground colour, bordered with some scattered dark brown scales.
Museum specimens
No pictures yet!Specimens in nature
Caterpillar
Whitish with light brown head, pronotum without black spots.
Mine
First instars live in a gallery on either side of a leaf.
See also gracillariidae.net and bladmineerders.be.
Cocoon/pupa
Pale green, transparant membrane, generally on the underside of leaf.
Bionomics
Free-living instars live in a leaf rolled longitudinally, upperside inwards.
The species hibernate in the adult stage. They rest on tree trunks during the day and come to light.
Flight periods
The adults fly from early July till early September and after hibernation till early May.
Observed on
- Host plant (species):
- Betula pendula
- Host plant (genera):
- Betula
The larvae feed on Betula, preferably on young trees.
