Gelechiidae

35.059 Flame Seedhead Moth Metzneria aprilella (Herrich-Schäffer, 1855)

Notable B

Similar species:

Forewing: 7 to 8.5mm

Habitats: Dry calcareous grassland, wasteland and verges.

Habits: The moth can be disturbed in the day and flies from dusk. It later comes to light.

Foodplant: The larva feeds on the seeds of Greater Knapweed, causing the petals to fold over the seeds and the head to appear to remain closed. It overwinters in a silk lined chamber below the seed-head, where it pupates in April.