Last modified: Jan. 31, 2024, 5:43 p.m.
A fairly common species throughout Belgium. Can be locally very common and become a pest on Larix.
Native
Wingspan: 8–11 mm .
The forewings are shiny grey without any distinct pattern.
Not so clearly, the antennae are alternately ringed dark brown white, there is also variation in it.
After the 3th moult, the larva built a small tubular case which is about 7 mm long and light brown.
The mouth angle is 70–80°.
See also bladmineerders.be
The little brown round markings on the needles indicate that there is mining from the first 2 instars of the larvae.
Eggs are deposited on the underside of a needle.
After 10–15 days the larva emerges. The young larva mines the needles of Larix during the first two instars.
Later on, it constructs a small case from a part of a needle in which it hibernates. After winter it continues feeding in spring. Larvae are fully fed around the end of May.
Pupation happens on a needle, bud or on a small twig.
Very often, the adults are to be find on the lower branches of Larix.
The adults fly from May till July.
Monophagous on Larix.