A rare and local species in many localities in Belgium, mainly known from older records. Rarely recorded.

The larva lives in the upper stem and leaf-axils, later on the flowers in a web, on Senecio, Crepis and Solidago. The larvae of the second generation hibernate in their cocoon. Pupation in another cocoon.

The adults fly in two generations a year: late May till mid June and again from July till September. They are active at night and come to light.

ID: All Phycitodes are difficult and examination by genetalia is advised, but following aids can help; size individual, place of black dots, intensity and size of markings and the angle of the three dots on the first line.