Agonopterix subpropinquella (Stainton, 1849) Species
Last modified: Nov. 28, 2024, 2:55 p.m.
A very rare and declining species in Belgium. It used to be common in the 19th century. The reason of the decline might be the rarity of thistles. Easily confused with some other members of the genus.
Details
- Classification
- Family: Depressariidae > Subfamily: Depressariinae > Genus: Agonopterix > Species: Agonopterix subpropinquella
- Vernacular names
- Distelkaartmot (NL)
- First mention in Belgium
- De Fré Ch. 1858. Catalogue des Microlépidoptères de la Belgique. — Annales de la Société entomologique belge 2: 45–162. On page 128 (as D.[epressaria] Subpropinquella. Staint.). view page
- Status
-
Native
Distribution
Imago
Wingspan 16–22 mm.
Most observations are misidentifications of Agonopterix propinquella which, has the forewing more arched.
Museum specimens
Specimens in nature
No pictures yet!Bionomics
The species starts its life as a leafminer, but the caterpillars soon eat externally on the leaves of the foodplant. After a while, they spin the leaflets together to form a tube in which they hide.
Pupation among detritus or in the earth at the base of the foodplant.
This species hibernates as an adult. These adults are rarely seen during the day but they sometimes come to light or can be beaten from the foliage.
Flight periods
One generation a year from August, hibernating, till May of the next year.
Observed on
- Host plant (species):
- Arctium lappa
- Host plant (genera):
- Centaurea and Cirsium
The species lives on a variety of thistles.
Habitat
Open terrain, waste ground, ruderal places, road sides.
