Figs. 1-6. Coleophora saponariella Heeger, 1848; 
1- a young Caterpillar on Saponaria officinalis, Belgium, West-Vlaanderen, De Panne, 11 vii 2012, leg. and photo C. Snyers. 
2 — case of a full grown Caterpillar, ca. 7 mm, Belgium, West-Vlaanderen, De Panne, 4 x 2009, leg. and photo C. Snyers. 
3 - mines on a leaf of Saponaria officinalis, Belgium, West-Vlaanderen, De Panne, 4 x 2009, leg. and photo C. Snyers. 
4 - case of a young Caterpillar with "frass", Belgium, West-Vlaanderen, De Panne, 4 x 2009, leg. and photo C. Snyers. 
5 - mines on Saponaria officinalis, Belgium, Namur, Rochefort, 6.xiii.2012, leg. and photo J.-Y. Baugnée. 
6.- mature case on Saponaria officinalis, Belgium, Namur, Rochefort, 23.ix.2012, leg. and photo N. Vereecken. 
Biology 
The eggs are deposited on the upper side of the 
leaves, relatively high on the plant (up to 25 cm high), 
usually on a large vein. After hatching of the eggs, the 
caterpillars make small half-transparent galleries on the 
upper side of the leaf. The galleries can be up to five cm 
long before they convert into blotch mines. The first frass 
is secreted here and building of the case begins 
immediately. The initial galleries exceed themselves 
Phegea 41 (3) 01.ix.2013: 70 
ISSN 0771-5277 
