Cochylimorpha alternana
Based on 11 records from NBN Atlas. pre-2000 2000+ View detailed records on NBN Atlas →

Cochylimorpha alternana

49.098 BF935

(Stephens, 1834)

Wingspan c. 20-24mm.

This is one of the larger of the Cochylidae, and is very local, restricted to parts of Kent, where however it can be quite common in coastal chalkland habitat.

It resembles C. straminea but is larger, and shows distinctive black raised scale-tufts, circled in white, in the median fascia.

The larva feeds on greater knapweed (Centaurea scabiosa) feeding on the flower buds and developing florets.

Adult moths are at large in July and August and can be netted around the foodplant around dusk.

Flight period

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