It is native to Central and Northern Europe, with its original food source being the European larch or Larix decidua.

In October, the larvae prepare for winter by attaching their cases to more solid parts of the tree (twigs, bark, etc.).

When spring comes and the larch refoliates the larvae molt into the fourth instar stage and continue mining.

[4] Despite the fact that larches drop their needles in the winter and refoliate in the spring, the repeated, seasonal mining behavior performed by the larvae and the pupae of C. laricella is extremely damaging to the host tree.

C. laricinellae, a heartier parasite that only targets C. laricella was introduced in Montana, Idaho, Oregon and Washington, where it has had much greater success.

Since 1960 these two species, combined with natural factors have parasitized over 90% of the casebearer populations in some areas.

[1][5][6] In stands of high aesthetic, commercial or conservation value the USDA Forest Service has authorized the use of the insecticide malathion for larval control.