Life history and description of the preimaginal stages of <i>Scythris siccella</i> (Zeller, 1839) (Lepidoptera: Scythrididae)

Abstract

Egg, second, and last instar larvae, as well as pupa of Scythris siccella (Zeller, 1839) are described and illustrated in detail. Life history of this scythridid species is also presented. The eggs are laid singly or in small groups. The larva mines leaves of Hieracium pilosella and Rumex acetosella; it lives in sandcovered silken tubes attached to food plant. The full-grown larva is 8–10 mm long, and pupation takes place in a dense cocoon encrusted with grains of sand. The adults fly in one generation, from the end of May to the end of July. In Poland, Scythris siccella (Zeller) inhabits open, lowland dunes with xerothermic vegetation.