Caloptilia populetorum
This record describes Caloptilia populetorum (species). Recorded family: Gracillariidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 11 to14 mm. The adults resemble several other Caloptilia species and are best identified by the dark spots on the forewing leading edge and darker cilia. A species of moorland and heath especially where Birch is present. The flight period is from August onwards, overwintering after which they may be seen until April or May. Despite the scientific name, the larvae feed on birch (Betula) leaves, initially in a gallery and later rolling a leaf and feeding within. This species has a wide distribution over much of mainland Britain, but is not especially common. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as local.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Gracillarioidea
- Family
- Gracillariidae (Leaf Blotch Miner Moths)
- Subfamily
- Gracillariinae
- Genus
- Caloptilia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
A species of moorland and heath especially where Birch is present.
Seasonal Activity
The flight period is from August onwards, overwintering after which they may be seen until April or May.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Despite the scientific name, the larvae feed on birch (Betula) leaves, initially in a gallery and later rolling a leaf and feeding within.
Additional species information
Recorded status
This species has a wide distribution over much of mainland Britain, but is not especially common. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as local.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Caloptilia populetorum. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Lepidoptera includes approximately 180,000 described species of butterflies and moths. Moths outnumber butterflies roughly 10:1. The monarch butterfly's eastern population has declined by more than 80% since the mid-1990s, and the western population by over 95% since the 1980s. The IUCN lists the migratory monarch as Vulnerable.
Ecological role of the group
Butterflies and moths are essential indicators of ecosystem health. As caterpillars, they are a primary food source for birds - a single nest of blue tit chicks requires ~10,000 caterpillars. Adult moths pollinate many night-blooming plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Lepidoptera are critical pollinators. In Europe, grassland butterfly species have declined by almost 50% since the early 1990s. In the UK, three-quarters of butterflies are in decline. In the U.S., five butterfly species have gone extinct since 1950, with 29 listed as endangered.
Recorded sources for this group: IUCN Red List, Xerces Society, USFWS, PNAS, WWF. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Caloptilia populetorum (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Caloptilia populetorum
What is Caloptilia populetorum?
Caloptilia populetorum is a species in the family Gracillariidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Caloptilia populetorum found?
Habitat: A species of moorland and heath especially where Birch is present.
When is Caloptilia populetorum active?
Caloptilia populetorum: seasonal activity - The flight period is from August onwards, overwintering after which they may be seen until April or May..
What is the life cycle of a Caloptilia populetorum?
Despite the scientific name, the larvae feed on birch (Betula) leaves, initially in a gallery and later rolling a leaf and feeding within.