Last modified: Dec. 14, 2024, 8:06 a.m.
A rare species throughout Belgium, mostly found as a case. Most observations are from the western part of the country and in the Kempen, where it is sometimes not rare.
Native
The larva makes a tubular leaf case. The case is almost barrel-shaped, with a large leaf fragment that, while withering, folds itself untidily around the tube. So giving the name "siccifolia" = dryed leave, to this species.
See also bladmineerders.be.
At first the larva makes little mines. After that the larva feeds from a tubular leaf case. The caterpillars are fully grown in October.
Pupation in the case attached to a stem of the food plant, vegetation or tree trunks.
The adults fly in one generation a year in May, June and July.
The larva is very polyphagous. Mostly found on Betula pendula, Crataegus, Malus or Sorbus and many more.