708 Agonopterix carduella
(Hübner, 1817)
Wingspan 14-17 mm.A local species in Britain, preferring dry open sites, such as grassland on limestone.
Adults occur July to May, hibernating over winter. Examination of genitalia is advised, as it can be confused with small specimens of A. subpropinquella.
Larvae feed May to July on thistles (Cirsium spp.) common knapweed (Centaurea nigra) and burdock (Arctium spp.). Late instar larvae are distinctive, but early instars, less than 10 mm, can be confused with A. propinquella.
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