Habitat: The Carnation Tortix is polyphagous and does not have a specific natural habitat in the traditional sense within Europe, but adapts to the environment of the host plant, such as deciduous trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants.

Appearance: Originally from Africa, fairly common in Europe. Not a very common species in Belgium, but fairly common in the Netherlands. The moth arrived in Europe from cultivation.

Flying time: Two generations per year in the wild, from May to June and from August to September.

Characteristics: 15-22 mm

Life cycle: The speed of development is highly dependent on temperature; in heated greenhouses, the cycle can continue throughout the year. The females lay their eggs in groups, depositing them on the smooth upper surface of leaves or stems. Immediately after hatching, the young caterpillars crawl to growing points or flowers to feed. The caterpillars spin silk threads around the leaves or petals, causing them to roll up (hence the name leafrollers). Second-generation caterpillars can overwinter outdoors in a protective cocoon. Pupation takes place inside the rolled-up leaves.