Caryocolum tricolorella (Haworth, 1812) Species
Last modified: Feb. 27, 2024, 10:52 a.m.
A very rare and local species in Belgium, with most observations in the southern part of the country.
Details
- Classification
- Family: Gelechiidae > Subfamily: Gelechiinae > Tribus: Gnorimoschemini > Genus: Caryocolum > Species: Caryocolum tricolorella
- Vernacular names
- Driekleurige kustmot (NL), Three-colour Groundling, Beautiful Groundling (EN)
- Synonyms
- Caryocolum contigua (Haworth, 1828)
- First mention in Belgium
- Fologne E. 1860. Lépidoptères et chenilles observés en Belgique. — Annales de la Société entomologique belge 4: 108–112. On page 110.
- Status
-
Native
Distribution
Imago
Although superficially similar to other Caryocolum species, the blackish sub-basal mark from costa contrasting to the clear white fasciae and the orange-brown markings and the larger size are diagnostic.
Wingspan 13–15 mm.
Museum specimens
No pictures yet!Specimens in nature
Genitalia
Caterpillar
Bionomics
The larvae feed on the food plant, initally mining the leaves in a gallery in the autumn, starting at the base of the leaf, the mine is first filled with thick black frass which is later extruded through a small hole in the middle of the mine. After overwintering the larva feeds between spun leaves and/or terminal shoots. Pupation takes place on the ground.
The adults become active from before sunset and later can be attracted to light.
Flight periods
The adults have been seen from early July towards late August in one generation a year.
Observed on
- Host plant (species):
- Stellaria holostea
The larva lives on Stellaria holostea.
Habitat
It inhabits open mixed forests and hedgerows.
