Pelochrista caecimaculana (Hübner, 1799) Species
Last modified: Dec. 9, 2023, 9:58 a.m.
A very rare species in Belgium, mainly distributed in the southern part.
Details
- Classification
- Family: Tortricidae > Subfamily: Olethreutinae > Tribus: Eucosmini > Genus: Pelochrista > Species: Pelochrista caecimaculana
- Vernacular names
- Knoopkruidknoopvlekje (NL), Chalk-hill Bell, Chalk Hill Tortrix (EN), Flockenblumen-Stängelwickler (DE)
- First mention in Belgium
- De Sélys-Longchamps E. 1844. Énumération des insectes Lépidoptères de la Belgique. — Mémoires de la Société royale des Sciences de Liége 2: 1–35. On page 21.
- Status
-
Native
Distribution
Imago
Wingspan 14–20 mm. Distinguished by the poorly developed and inconspicuous ocellus which lacks metallic plumbeous edging. Large light spot towards the rear corner.
Museum specimens
Specimens in nature
Genitalia
Caterpillar
Yellowish white body with an ochraceous yellow to light brown head, prothoracic and anal plates yellow.
Bionomics
Hibernates as a larva. The larva bores in the thicker roots. Pupation takes place in a white, elongated web, which is attached to the root.
The adults come to light.
Flight periods
The adults fly in one generation a year and can be seen from late May towards mid-August. Most observations during July.
Observed on
- Host plant (species):
- Centaurea nigra
- Host plant (genera):
- Centaurea
The larva feeds on Centaurea nigra, Centaurea jacea and Centaurea stoebe.
Habitat
It inhabits dry herb-rich pastures, wasteland and downland, especially on calcareous soil.
