Anacampsis populella

(Clerck, 1759)

poplar sober

A small to Europe, accidentally to North America. are active from May to September with variable whitish marked with black or dark grey. are leaf-rollers that feed on poplars and willows, constructing -bound leaf tubes in which they develop and pupate. The is , with .

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Anacampsis populella: //ˌænəˈkæmpsɪs ˌpɒpjʊˈlɛlə//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

Reliable separation from the similar Anacampsis blattariella requires dissection; external is insufficient due to high variability in both . distinguished by greyish-green or yellowish body with round black pinacula, black , and divided black ; brownish. on plants provides a field clue.

Appearance

Small with wingspan 14–19 mm. whitish, variably sprinkled with black or dark grey, often palest toward base of ; edge sometimes yellowish-tinged. Variable patterning includes occasional large black on two-thirds from base to near ; blackish, often concealed; whitish obtusely angulated at three-quarters, indented above angle, sometimes indistinct; black dots present. over 1, rather dark grey. with 2–4 often ochreous-. Sexes similar in appearance.

Habitat

Found in stands of poplar and willow, including forest plantations, moorlands with birch, and coastal dunes with creeping willow. occur on tree trunks, in foliage, and come to light.

Distribution

to Europe, with records across most of the continent including Sweden ( locality), Germany, Czech Republic, Belgium, and the United . Accidentally to North America.

Seasonality

on from May to September depending on location; peak activity June to August. present from mid-April to June. overwinter.

Diet

feed on leaves of poplars (Populus ) and willows (Salix species). Specific include Populus tremula, Salix caprea, Salix alba, and Salix repens.

Host Associations

  • Populus tremula - larval foodplantprimary in some
  • Populus sp. - larval foodplantgeneral poplar feeder
  • Salix caprea - larval foodplantgoat willow
  • Salix alba - larval foodplant willow
  • Salix repens - larval foodplantcreeping willow, coastal dunes

Life Cycle

. laid at base of in clusters, through winter. emerge in spring, develop through three from April to June. First instar feeds freely on leaf underside; after first , larvae roll leaves with into tubes and feed inside. occurs within the rolled leaf in a . emerge from May to September.

Behavior

construct leaf rolls by rolling leaves toward the abaxial (lower) surface, securing edges with strands. Most rolls contain a single leaf, though 20% incorporate 2–5 leaves. On creeping willow, small leaves require several to be spun around the central shoot. are and attracted to light.

Ecological Role

on poplar and willow foliage. for diverse including (at least 20 recorded, with rates up to 59%), , and birds; natural enemies cause 63–88% mortality of larval and pupal .

Human Relevance

Minor pest of Populus tremula in forestry plantations, causing measurable leaf damage. Used as a study organism for leaf-roller biology and .

Similar Taxa

  • Anacampsis blattariellaExternally variable and indistinguishable without dissection; both share similar size range and color variability.
  • Anacampsis temerella also roll leaves of Salix repens on coastal dunes; larvae distinguished by morphological details, though both use similar and .

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Sources and further reading