Last modified: March 20, 2021, 11:06 a.m.
A very rare and local species in Belgium that has been found in more places since 2004. Nevertheless it remains rarely observed.
Native
The forewing of this species is light brown with lighter longitudinal stripes. Wingspan is 12–16 mm. The antennae are ringed alternating white and black till the tip.
The fully developed case is ± 7 mm long, tri-valved and with a mouth angle of 45°–60°.
See also bladmineerders.be.
The larva bores into a seed pod of Ulex europaeus or Genista spp. and feeds on the developing seeds. Later it leaves the pod and constructs a cigar-shaped case made of sepals. Finally, it leaves its feeding case and spins another case entirely made of silk.
The larva pupates after overwintering.
The adults are day-active, especially at dusk and later on come infrequently to light.
The adults fly from late May till early July in one generation.
The main hostplant is Ulex europaeus.