Cochylimorpha alternana (Curtis, 1831)

on Centaurea

gall

The larva lives in the still closed flower head, feeding on the florets and the immature fruits, lining the cavity with silk. In July the presence of a larva in the last instar is indicated by frass which is ejected and adheres to the stem below the base of the capitulum.

host plants

Asteraceae, monophagous

Centaurea scabiosa.

synonyms

Stenodes alternana.

references

Bradley, Tremewan & Smith (1973a), Hancock & Bland (2015a), van Nieukerken, Gielis, Huisman ao (1993a).