Last modified: Nov. 28, 2023, 1:12 p.m.
A very rare species in Belgium, not often recorded.
Native
Wingspan 13–16 mm. Head whitish-ochre yellow. Black-grey forewings with white markings along the rear edge that widen in the middle and at the far end. The white is sometimes more or less yellowish brown. Some specimens completely grey. Characteristic fold from the outer edge towards the middle.
A variable species, although the nominate form and f. fasciana are reminiscent of Epinotia trigonella in wing pattern but are readily distinguished by their smaller size.
The caterpillar is dirty grey-white to pale greenish, the head is pale brown, the nape and anal shield are the same color as the body, anal comb present.
The larvae live among spun leaves dwelling on the end shoots on the host plant, later expands its dwelling by spinning on neighboring leaves. It pupates in a cocoon on the food plant.
The adults hibernate and come to light.
The adults are on the wing from August till October and after overwintering reapear in spring.
The larva feeds on Salix caprea, Salix cinerea and Salix aurita.
It inhabits moorland and boggy heathland.
