Pyralidae

62.043 Shore Knot-horn Gymnancyla canella ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775)

Notable A

Similar species:

Forewing: 10 to 11.5mm

Habitats: Coastal sand just above the reach of high tides.

Habits: The moth is nocturnal and comes to light.

Foodplant: The young larva burrows into a stem in a side shoot of Prickly Saltwort, causing the tip to wither. It may later feed on the unripe seeds in a silk web or burrow into the main stem disguising the entrance hole with a few strands of silk. It pupates below ground in a cocoon of silk mixed with sand.