Cosmardia moritzella (Treitschke, 1835) Species
Last modified: Feb. 27, 2024, 10:55 a.m.
First observation for Belgium in 2013 at Mechelen (AN). A very rare and local species in Belgium.
Details
- Classification
- Family: Gelechiidae > Subfamily: Gelechiinae > Tribus: Gnorimoschemini > Genus: Cosmardia > Species: Cosmardia moritzella
- Vernacular names
- Bonte muurpalpmot (NL)
- First mention in Belgium
- De Prins W., Steeman C. & Sierens T. 2016. Interessante waarnemingen van Lepidoptera in België in 2015 (Lepidoptera). — Phegea 44(3): 50–62. On page 52. view page
- Status
-
Native
Distribution
Imago
Wingspan 13–15 mm.
Museum specimens
No pictures yet!Specimens in nature
Bionomics
The larva initially lives gregariously in slightly spun on and in the flowers, and later also in the seed capsules. Pupation in a spin on the food plant. Hibernates as an adult.
The moths are sparingly attracted to light and is occasionally found indoors when hibernating.
Flight periods
The adults have been seen from early May till autumn and after overwintering reappears in spring.
Observed on
- Host plant (species):
- Silene latifolia
The larva feeds mainly on Silene latifolia. Also found on Silene dioica, Silene latifolia, Silene bellidifolia and on Lychnis flos-jovis.
Habitat
It inhabits xerothermic places like gravel pits, roadsides, rocky commons etc...
