Nemophora violellus (Herrich-Schäffer in Stainton, 1851) Species
Last modified: July 2, 2022, 7:45 p.m.
Only rather recently discovered in Belgium in places where Gentiana pneumonanthe or Centaurium erythraea grow. A very rare and local species.
Details
- Classification
- Family: Adelidae > Subfamily: Adelinae > Genus: Nemophora > Species: Nemophora violellus
- Vernacular names
- Gentiaanlangsprietmot (NL), Enzian-Langhornfalter (DE)
- Status
-
Native
Distribution
Imago
Wingspan 13–15 mm. Forewing rather broad, ground colour dark brown with golden hue. Head of the male brownish yellow, between the antennae black; in the female yellow. The antennae of the male have some black scales at their base. Some black hairs on the palps.
Museum specimens
No pictures yet!Specimens in nature
Egg
The eggs are white and laid on the flowerbuds of the food plant.
Caterpillar
Yellowish white; head capsule black; thoracic plates shining dark brown.
Case
Case in the shape of a pear, 9–11 mm long, constructed with soil particles, always at the same side of the case.
Bionomics
The eggs are oviposited in the flower buds of the food plants. The half-grown larvae hibernate and continue feeding in early spring. Pupation at the end of May.
Adults are active during the day and have never been observed on the light during the night.
Flight periods
One generation a year, from mid-June till mid-July.
Observed on
- Host plant (species):
- Gentiana pneumonanthe and Centaurium erythraea
The larva lives mainly on Gentiana pneumonanthe but recently also females observed depositing eggs on Centaurium erythraea (confirmed by genital control).
Habitat
Rather wet habitats, large open places in forest areas.
