Metzneria metzneriella (Stainton, 1851) Species
Last modified: Feb. 26, 2024, 6:27 p.m.
A very rare and local species in Belgium, easily confused with other members of the genus.
Details
- Classification
- Family: Gelechiidae > Subfamily: Anomologinae > Genus: Metzneria > Species: Metzneria metzneriella
- Vernacular names
- Knoopkruidpalpmot (NL), Meadow Neb , Knapweed Seedhead Moth (EN), Flockenblumen-Palpenmotte (DE)
- First mention in Belgium
- Fologne E. 1862c. Notes sur quelques lépidoptères observés en Belgique. — Annales de la Société entomologique belge 6: 170–176. On page 173.
- Status
-
Native
Distribution
Imago
Wingspan 14–19 mm.
Museum specimens
No pictures yet!Specimens in nature
Genitalia
Bionomics
The larva lives inside the seed heads and eating the seeds of the food plant and hibernates inside before pupating in May.
The adults become active from late afternoon and later come to light.
No pictures yet!
Flight periods
The adults fly from mid-May till late June.
Observed on
- Host plant (species):
- Centaurea nigra and Serratula tinctoria
The larva lives mainly on Centaurea jacea and Centaurea nigra. Also recorded from Serratula tinctoria and occasionally on Centaurea scabiosa.
No pictures yet!
Habitat
It inhabits in suitable localities where the food plant occurs and is found in a wide range of habitats. like pastures and meadows.
No pictures yet!
