35.055 Metzneria aestivella Copyright Martin Evans
 Distribution map Copyright Martin Evans
 Life stages table Copyright Martin Evans  35.055 Metzneria aestivella Copyright Martin Evans

Gelechiidae

35.055 Carline Seedhead Moth Metzneria aestivella (Zeller, 1839)

Notable B

Similar species:

Forewing: 6 to 7.5mm

Habitats: Short-turfed limestone downland, quarries and sand-dunes.

Habits: The moth is occasionally disturbed from the foodplant. It comes to light.

Foodplant: The larva feeds in the flower-heads of Carline Thistle, overwintering in a spun chamber in the base of the flower-head, where it pupates in early May. On the European mainland it has also been recorded from Dwarf Thistle and Scentless Feverfew.