Tortricidae

49.267 Tawny Knapweed Tortrix Eucosma fulvana (Stephens, 1834)

Local

Similar species: Eucosma hohenwartiana is darker in colour and on average smaller. For positive identification it may be necessary to check the genitalia. Eucosma cana has longitudinal streaks along the trailing edge (paler dorsal area) of the forewings.

Forewing: 7 to 10.5mm

Habitats: Rough grassland, calcareous grassland, downland, quarries, sea-cliffs, verges and embankments.

Habits: The larva often rests on a knapweed leaf during the day. It comes to light.

Foodplant: The larva feeds in a flower-head or seed-head of Greater Knapweed, feeding on the unripe seeds. In September the full-fed larva constructs a cocoon in the leaf litter, where it overwinters until it pupates in May.