Seq # 130030090

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.

No pictures yet!

Caterpillar

Yellowish white; head capsule black; thoracic plates shining dark brown.

No pictures yet!

Case

Case in the shape of a pear, 9–11 mm long, constructed with soil particles, always at the same side of the case.

No pictures yet!

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.

No pictures yet!

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).

No pictures yet!

Habitat

Rather wet habitats, large open places in forest areas.

No pictures yet!