1099 Endothenia marginana
(Haworth, 1811)
Wingspan 11-16 mm.The males of this species have noticeably whitish hindwings which help distinguish it from similar species, but the females have darker hindwings and are more difficult. Adults of this, and several similar Endothenia species, require dissection of the genitalia for accurate identification.
The adults fly from late May into August, and can be found in a variety of open and wooded habitats.
It is distributed throughout much of the British Isles, being common in some places.
The larvae feed from September to June in the seedheads of betony (Betonica officinalis), teasel (Dipsacus fullonum), hemp-nettles (Galeopsis spp.), louseworts (Pedicularis spp.), Yellow rattle (Rhinanthus) and Ribwort plantain (Plantago lanceolata).
More than one larva may be found in a teasel seedhead cavity, where it may be confused with E. gentianaeana. The two species can be segregated by subtle differences in the larvae (see larval descriptions and photographs).
Show detail