Last modified: March 14, 2024, 9:36 a.m.
A widespread and not so common species in Belgium.
Native
Wingspan 11-16 mm. The males of this species have noticeably whitish hindwings which help distinguish it from similar species, but the females have darker hindwings and are more difficult. Adults of this, and several similar Endothenia species, require dissection of the genitalia for accurate identification.
The larva resembles Endothenia gentianaeana, with minor differences:
Head: capsule jet black (take care with head color, as later instars of Endothenia gentianaeana can have very dark heads).
Thoracic legs are translucent greyish black.
Anal segment with anal comb with two to six solid prongs. Anal plate greyish black.
The larva lives in a silken galery and feeds in the seedheads of their food plants. It hibernates in the seed capsule.
The adults are active from dusk onwards and later come to light.
The adults have been seen from late April towards early October.
The larva feeds on: Dipsacus fullonum, Pedicularis palustris, Pedicularis sylvatica, Rhinanthus minor, Stachys officinalis.
Found in a variety of open and wooded habitats like rough meadows and grassland, waysides, embankments, damp woods, boggy heaths and fens.