About Caloptilia stigmatella (Fabricius, 1781)
Caloptilia stigmatella is a species of moth in the family Gracillariidae. It is found across the Holarctic Region, including all of Europe with the exception of the Balkan Peninsula. Adults of this species have a wingspan of 12–14 millimetres (0.47–0.55 in). The forewings are red-brown, and darkest near the costal blotch. They feature a triangular white median costal blotch, which is usually mixed with brownish-red. Along the costa, this blotch is marked with several blackish dots. From the apex of the blotch, a slender outwardly oblique streak extends toward the dorsum. The hindwings are grey. The larva is greenish-white, with a yellowish head marked with brown. Adults are active in late June and July, with a second generation active starting in September. The larvae feed on a wide range of host plants: Myrica gale, Populus alba, Populus candicans, Populus canescens, Populus nigra, Populus tremula, Salix alba, Salix aurita, Salix babylonica, Salix cinerea, Salix dasyclados, Salix elaeagnos, Salix fragilis, Salix glaucosericea, Salix lanata, Salix magnifica, Salix myrsinifolia, Salix pentandra, Salix purpurea, Salix repens, Salix sitchensis, Salix spadicea, Salix x stipularis, Salix triandra, Salix udensis and Salix viminalis. They mine the leaves of their host plants as they feed.
