Tortricidae

49.131 Blue Fleabane Straw Cochylidia heydeniana (Herrich-Schäffer, 1851)

Notable A

Similar species: Cochylidia implicitana

Forewing: 4 to 5.5mm

Habitats: Wasteground, sand-dunes and along walls.

Habits: It is easily disturbed during the day and flies around its foodplants during the evening.

Foodplant: The first generation of larvae feed in the flowers and seed-heads of Blue Fleabane and Canadian Fleabane. When inhabited the seed-head appears drawn in at the top, with some seeds protruding downward below. The second generation feed in the central shoot eating the immature seeds or the shoot itself causing stunted growth. From September the full-fed larva overwinters in a flimsy cocoon in the seed-head, then pupates in late April.