1097 Endothenia gentianaeana
(Hübner, 1799)
Wingspan 15-19 mm.This is one of several species of Endothenia in which the adults closely resemble each other, and require dissection of the genitalia for accurate identification. Adults fly in June and July, usually in the vicinity of teasel (Dipsacus fullonum).
In England and Wales, it is commonest in the south and scarcer northwards, but it can be locally abundant in northern England if teasel is plentiful and permanently established; at some localities occupying 100% of the teasel seedheads.
The larva always feeds singly on the pith in the cavity of a teasel seedhead. It can be distinguished by the lack of an anal comb from the larva of E. marginana, which has an anal comb and is often found in teasel seedhead cavities. (See larval descriptions and photographs).
Show detail