Last modified: July 13, 2024, 8:16 a.m.
A rare species in Belgium with most recordings from the Kempen region.
Native
Wingspan 21–30 mm. It tends to have less contrast on the forewing markings than the other three species, and is usually smaller than D. abietella, which it is perhaps most often confused with.
The young larva bores from autumn till the following spring in an one year old shoot. After the penultimate moult in enters the bud of a new shoot and empties it completely, leaving only the bud scales. Pupation in the soil.
The adults come to light.
The adults fly from May till September with a peak during June.
The larvae feed on Pinus sylvestris and related species.
It inhabits pine plantations and heathland.