Tortricidae

49.121 Four-spotted Straw Aethes tesserana ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775)

Local

Similar species:

Forewing: 5 to 8mm

Habitats: Calcareous downland and similar grasslands, arable field margins, sand-dunes, vegetated shingle.

Habits: The moth is easily disturbed and flies in sunshine. It comes to light.

Foodplant: The larva feeds in the rootstock and roots of Hawkweed Oxtongue, Bristly Oxtongue, hawkweeds, hawk's-beards and Ploughman's-spikenard, with no external signs of its presence. It overwinters and pupates in a silk cocoon in late April, in the leaf litter or under the soil.