Last modified: Dec. 2, 2024, 3:15 p.m.
A very rare species in the northern part of Belgium.
Native
Wingspan 10–12 mm.
Commences as a leaf miner, then enters the plant stem and finally feeds externally during the spring on the lower leaves of the food plants from a tube made from silk and sand, these tubes are extended into the sand where the larva retires when resting.
Pupation in a cocoon in the sand.
The adults become active just before sunset and later come to light.
The adults have been seen from late May towards late September.
Giving the long flight period, it has been suggested that adults may have a summer diapause.
The larva lives mainly on Cerastium fontanum and C. semidecandrum, also found on Silene nocteolens.
It inhabits dunes and sandy habitats.