About Caloptilia cuculipennella (Hübner, 1796)
Caloptilia cuculipennella, commonly known as the feathered slender, is a moth species belonging to the family Gracillariidae. It can be found in the Holarctic Region, including most parts of Europe. This moth has a wingspan that measures 11–12 millimetres, which is equal to 0.43–0.47 inches. Its posterior tibiae are smooth on the upper side. The forewings are whitish, marked with numerous ochreous or brown strigulae that are finely dusted with black specks. It has four distinct dark-marked features: an oblique fascia near the base that barely reaches the costa, a second fascia before the middle that barely reaches the dorsum, a third fascia beyond the middle that is interrupted in the disc, and a costal spot located three-quarters of the way along the wing. All of these features are ochreous or brownish, and finely dusted with black specks. The hindwings are dark grey. The larva is greenish-whitish, with a brown head and a brown second thoracic segment plate. The adult moth flies from July to September. The larvae of this species feed on the leaves of Fraxinus excelsior, Ligustrum vulgare, and Syringa vulgaris.
