Last modified: Dec. 2, 2024, 12:55 p.m.
A very rare and local species in Belgium.
Native
Ochreous yellow to pinkish with some broad brown dorsolateral lines; head capsule and thoracic plates black; last abdominal segment black with some long setae posteriorly.
The larva lives in a portable, cigar-shaped case, comparable to one of the Coleophora cases, made of grass, mainly Festuca sp. or other plant material that is spun together with silk.
The caterpillar can turn around inside the case and move around in two directions.
The species hibernates in the pupal stage. It pupates inside the case.
One generation a year from late February till May. Some authors think there is a second generation in summertime in warmer climate conditions.
Polyphagous. The caterpillar feeds on Calluna vulgaris, Erica, Hieracium pillocella, and Pillosella officinarum. It has also been seen feeding on grasses and on the dead flowers of Thymus polytrichum.
Open heathlands, sunny slopes of hills, different kinds of sandy habitats.
