Last modified: Nov. 2, 2024, 11:53 a.m.
A fairly common species throughout Belgium.
Native
Forewing ground colour bronzy golden with a purplish tinge at the base. Sexual dimorphism: the male has two silvery transverse lines – and sometimes a third diagonal streak in the apical region – which can be reduced to a silvery spot. The females without any such silvery pattern.
The cocoon of this species is tough.
This species hibernates as a larva and pupates in a tough cocoon in the upper layer of soil or among detritus. The imago, with its biting mouth parts, feeds on the pollen of many herbaceous plants but especially on Crataegus spp. Sometimes many adults are present on one flower. They are active during the daytime.
One generation a year from early May till the end of July.
The larva has been found on the tender, young growths of several herbaceous plant species, where it feeds on detritus.
Dry and open habitats. It is not found in dense woodland.