Cochylimorpha alternana - Distribution map

Please note that the NBN Gateway map service has been terminated as of 1 April 2017.

As soon as a replacement map service is available, distribution maps will hopefully appear here again.

In the meantime, you can get some idea of distribution from the NBN Atlas website.

View the NBN Atlas Map

49.098 BF935

Cochylimorpha alternana

(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.
back to top