Gelechiidae

35.058 Knapweed Seedhead Moth Metzneria metzneriella (Stainton, 1851)

Common

Similar species:

Forewing: 6.5 to 9mm

Habitats: Downland, embankments, verges, sea cliffs, woodland margins and scrub.

Habits: The moth flies from dusk and later comes to light.

Foodplant: The larva feeds on the seeds of Saw-wort or Common Knapweed while living in the lower part of the seed-head. It overwinters in a silk cocoon in the base of the seed-head and pupates there in late April. It has also been recorded from Jersey Knapweed and on the European mainland it has been recorded from Greater Knapweed, Brown Knapweed and Perennial Cornflower.