49.35 BF1240

Grapholita caecana

Schläger, 1847

Wingspan c. 14mm.

This scarce and local species is only known from a few localities in the south of England, particularly Kent and Wiltshire.

Occasional records have been noted elsewhere, for example Hampshire.

The larvae feed on sanfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia), from August living inside the stem and roots, and overwintering, then pupating in the summer.

The favoured habitat is grassland on chalky soil, and adult moths are on the wing during the afternoon during July.