Last modified: Dec. 2, 2024, 6:24 p.m.
A fairly common species in Belgium.
Native
Wingspan 12–13 mm.
This species gives a totally white impression but there are also specimens with a darkened wing-tip and very finely marked yellowish veins on the forewings (see picture).
The antennae are alternately ringed brown-white till the tip.
The larva lives in a distinctive greyish silken and pistol-shaped case that can reach a length of about 7 mm.
The mouth angle is 80°.
See also bladmineerders.be.
Larvae are fully grown in early June and pupation takes place inside the case, usually at the upper side of a leaf, less often at the underside or on a twig.
The adults come sparingly to light.
The adults fly in July and August in one generation a year.
The larvae are restricted to food plants of the genus Quercus.