Last modified: Feb. 26, 2024, 6:29 p.m.
Not seen in Belgium for quite some time, probably extinct.
Native
Wingspan 15–25 mm.
The larvae live in the seed heads eating the seeds. Hibernation and pupation in a silken chamber in the larval habitation.
The adults become active from sunset onwards and later come to light.
The adults are on the wing from July towards August.
The larva feeds primarily on Cirsium aucale Abroad it is found on Carlina aucalis and Carduus defloratus. Other host mentioned are Centaurea jacae, Centauria nigra and Cirsium vulgare, although the latter is questionable.
It inhabits downland localities.