Pyralidae

62.057 Coast Knot-horn Phycitodes maritima (Tengström, 1848)

Local

Similar species:

Forewing: 8.5 to 10mm

Habitats: A wide variety of habitats, including coastal vegetated shingle, wasteground, downland and gardens.

Habits: The nocturnal moth visits Common Ragwort flowers and comes to light.

Foodplant: The larva initially lives in the upper parts of the stems and leaf axils of Yarrow, Common Ragwort, Tansy or Feverfew. It later feeds in the spun flower-heads and is sometimes gregarious. The full-fed larva overwinters in a cocoon in the leaf litter where it pupates in April.