19.011 BF473

Leek Moth Acrolepiopsis assectella

(Zeller, 1839)

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Wingspan c.12 mm.

As the English name suggests, the larvae of this species feed on cultivated species of Allium such as leek, onion and chive. Although it has the potential to be a pest, it is rather scarce and local, and therefore isn't really plentiful enough. In parts of continental Europe where it is more abundant, it is a serious pest.

The larva pupates in an open network cocoon, either on the foodplant or close by.

It is distributed mainly in the south-east of England, especially around the coast, and flies in two generations, in June and July, and from October through the winter to early spring.