Crambidae

63.014 Sulphur Pearl Sitochroa palealis ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775)

Local

Similar species:

Forewing: 13 to 16mm

Habitats: Calcareous grassland and quarries, Breckland, grassy cliff tops and vegetated shingle.

Habits: The moth is easily disturbed in the day from where it rests on carrot heads. It flies from dusk and later comes to light.

Foodplant: The larva feeds in a tubular silk web in the flower-heads of Wild Carrot. It feeds on the developing seeds. The full-fed larva overwinters in a tough cocoon under the earth where it pupates in early May. It sometimes overwinters twice.