49.098 BF935

Cochylimorpha alternana

(Stephens, 1834)

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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.