Leucodonta bicoloria (Denis & Schiffermüller, 1775)

Host plants:
The larvae feed on birch (Betula).

Habitat:
Leucodonta bicoloria inhabits birch-rich forests such as moor edge forests, forests on sand or mountain forests (e.g. in Ticino).

Life cycle:
The pupa hibernates and the moths fly from May to July. The caterpillar lives from June to August. I found a half-grown caterpillar in about 2m above ground on a birch branch in Ticino. According to literature, the development takes place especially in the tree tops area. Pupation takes apparently place between two spun together leaves.

Endangerment: strongly endangered

Endangerment factors:
Leucodonta bicoloria is heavily endangered by the destruction of the economically worthless birch stands and the reduction of wetlands.

Remarks:
The distribution extends through the western and Central Europe to east Asia (Japan).