Homoeosoma nebulella (Denis & Schiffermüller, 1775)
european sunflower moth
on Asteraceae
parasite
The larvae develop in the flower heads, feeding on the ripening fruits and the involucre. Larvae of other species that happen to live in the same head are eaten as well.
host plants
Asteraceae, oligophagous
Carduus acanthoides, nutans; Carthamus lanatus, tinctorius; Cirsium arvense, canum, vulgare; Helianthus annuus; Jacobaea vulgaris; Onopordum acanthium; Silybum marianum; Tanacetum vulgare.
phenology
Two generations.
distribution within Europe
synonyms
Homoeosoma nebulellum.
notes
A pest in sunflower cultivation.
references
Huisman & Koster (1997a), Szabó, Szabó, Varga ao (2009a), Szabó, Tóth & Vágvölgyi (2007a), Zwoelfer (1971a).