Cochylimorpha alternana (Curtis, 1831)on Centaurea
gall
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).