Last modified: March 4, 2021, 3:11 p.m.
A locally fairly common species, though widespread in Belgium, especially in the northern part of the country.
Native
Greyish white; head capsule very light brown, prothoracic plate even lighter brown, last abdominal segment pale yellow; thoracic legs transparent.
The species hibernates in the larval stage. The caterpillar constructs a silken tube in which frass is used. The tube is attached to leaves among leaf litter just below the surface. The larva feeds from October to April.
Pupation in a white silken cocoon in the larval feeding place, in May–June.
The adults fly in late evening and later come to light. They are more often found indoors than outside in nature.
One generation a year from mid June till August.
The larva lives on plant material like dead leaves, also in birds' nests. Leaves can be of very different species of trees; larval tubes have been found on leaves of: Chamaecyparis, Hedera helix, Ilex aquifolium and Quercus.
Localities with a lot of dead wood, abandoned gardens, parks, stables, barns, etc.