Last modified: Nov. 29, 2023, 10:41 a.m.
A widely distributed and fairly common species throughout Belgium.
Native
Wingspan 13–15 mm. Distinguished from similar species by its ochreous-white head and palps. On the dorsum it has two white patches. The central one with one or two fine strigulae. The tornal one with a characteristically shaped anterior border. The brown wing may be ochreous marked beyond one half and there are pale paired costal strigulae.
The larva lives in a catkin and hibernates and pupates in a cocoon amongst leaf-litter on the ground.
They rest high in the trees during daytime. Towards dusk, the adults fly high above the trees and later come to light.
The adults usually fly from mid-May towards mid-July, occasionally later.
The larva feeds mainly on Betula. Not sure but perhaps also on Alnus glutinosa and Salix caprea.
It inhabits woodland, heathland, fens and bogs.